Bastard — circa 1223, “illegitimate child,” from O.Fr., “child of a nobleman by a woman other than his wife,” probably from fils de bast “packsaddle son,” meaning a child conceived on an improvised bed (saddles often doubled as beds while traveling), with pejorative ending -art. Alternate possibly is that the word is from P.Gmc. *banstiz “barn,” equally suggestive of low origin. Not always regarded as a stigma; the Conqueror is referred to in state documents as **”William the Bastard.”** Figurative sense is from 1552; use as a vulgar term of abuse for a man is attested from 1830. Bastardize “debase” is from 1587.
will said,
October 28, 2004 @ 9:49am
Bastard — circa 1223, “illegitimate child,” from O.Fr., “child of a nobleman by a woman other than his wife,” probably from fils de bast “packsaddle son,” meaning a child conceived on an improvised bed (saddles often doubled as beds while traveling), with pejorative ending -art. Alternate possibly is that the word is from P.Gmc. *banstiz “barn,” equally suggestive of low origin. Not always regarded as a stigma; the Conqueror is referred to in state documents as **”William the Bastard.”** Figurative sense is from 1552; use as a vulgar term of abuse for a man is attested from 1830. Bastardize “debase” is from 1587.
Aaron said,
October 28, 2004 @ 10:05am
lol!