Meaning and usage of the word fellow in English

The word "fellow" has its roots in Old English and Middle English. In Old English, it was spelled "fealla" and meant "comrade" or "associate." Over time, the spelling changed to "felow" or "fellew" in Middle English, and its meaning expanded to include "a person of equal rank or standing." By the 14th century, the word "fellow" had taken on a more general sense of "a person, especially a man"; it was often used as a term of endearment or respect. In the 16th century, the word became associated with academic and professional circles, where it referred to a member of a learned society or a peer in a particular field. Today, the word "fellow" is still used to describe a person who is a member of a particular group or community, often with a sense of camaraderie and shared identity.