Definition of the word vouchsafe

The word "vouchsafe" originated in the Middle English language during the 14th century. It comes from the Old French phrase "voulgier" which meant "to wish" or "to wish well." The Old French phrase "voulgier" had evolved from the Latin phrase "vultorum sacaculum" which meant "a pledge of favor." This Latin phrase was used to describe the act of granting a favor, especially one that was significant or valuable. In Middle English, the phrase "voulgier" was prefixed with the particle "vouc-" to form the word "vouchsafe." This prefix "vouc-" had Latin roots, specifically from the Latin particle "vouchere" which meant "to be willing" or "to be pleased." The new word "vouchsafe" carried the original meaning of "to grant a favor" or "to bestow something valuable," signifying that the person granting the favor was pleased to do so. Over time, the usage of "vouchsafe" evolved to include the meaning of "to reveal" or "to make known," indicating that the person granting the favor was privileging others with valuable information or knowledge. In summary, the word "vouchsafe" originated from the Old French phrase "voulgier," which evolved from the Latin phrase "vultorum sacaculum." The prefix "vouc-" from the Latin particle "vouchere" was added to the Middle English word "voulgier" to create the modern English word "vouchsafe." It started as a word denoting the act of granting favors, but has since come to also mean revealing or making known something valuable.