Definition of the word footstool

The origin of the word "footstool" can be traced back to the Middle English period, around the 14th century. At that time, the term "footstool" was mostly unfamiliar, and its predecessor, "potstool," was commonly used instead. "Potstool" referred to a small chair or seat that was originally designed to sit on top of a "potbeam" or a timber beam supporting the Potter's large earthenware pots. The pots were kept in the potter's dungeon, which was dark and damp, and the potter needed a stool to sit on while he worked there. As time passed, "potstool" was used more frequently outside of the potter's house. Eventually, people began to refer to any small seat as a "potstool," regardless of its original purpose. The word "footstool" emerged around the 15th century as a more specific term to describe a type of small seat that was used to rest one's feet. The word "foot" in footstool refers to the feet of a person, whereas "stool" refers to a low seat where someone can rest. In summary, "footstool" is derived from "potstool," which was originally used to describe a chair or seat atop a potbeam. As the usage of "potstool" evolved, the term became associated more broadly with small seats, and "footstool" emerged as a more precise term to describe seats for resting one's feet.