Definition of the word rendezvous

The word "rendezvous" originated in the 16th century from the Old French phrase "rendez-vous," which literally means "to give each other." It was originally used to describe a meeting or appointment between two people, often with a sense of secrecy or stealth. In the 17th and 18th centuries, the term gained popularity in military and naval contexts, particularly during the Napoleonic Wars, where French and British forces would agree to meet at a specific location to exchange prisoners, conduct secret negotiations, or engage in battles. Over time, the term evolved to encompass a broader range of meanings, including social gatherings, clandestine meetings, and even romantic trysts. Today, "rendezvous" is used to describe any planned meeting or appointment, and its original connotations of secrecy and intrigue have largely faded away.