Definition of the word chaff

The word "chaff" has its roots in Old English and is believed to have originated from the Proto-Germanic word "*kabbiz," which referred to the outer husks of grains such as wheat, oats, and barley. Over time, the term evolved to encompass not only the plant material but also the idea of separating the valuable grain from the worthless or useless bits. By the 14th century, "chaff" had taken on a broader metaphorical sense, referring to anything that was useless or worthless, much like the worthless husks that surrounded the grain. Today, the word is still used in agricultural contexts, but it has also gained usage in figurative contexts, implying something that is insignificant or of little value.