Definition of the word vault

The word "vault" has its origins in Old French, derived from the Latin word "vallum," which means "wall" or "rampart." In ancient Roman architecture, a vallum was a raised embankment or wall that surrounded a fort or settlement. Over time, the term evolved to describe a structure built above ground, such as an underground storage room or a chamber with a sloping roof. In the 14th century, the word "vault" emerged in Middle English to describe a high, arched ceiling, often found in large public buildings. Today, the word "vault" can refer to a secure, enclosed space, such as a bank vault, or a covered passageway, like a vaulted ceiling in a chapel or church.