patent

Middle English

/paˈtɛnt/, /paˈtɛnt/

noun
Definitions
  • A letter conferring a privilege or status.
  • Such a privilege or status conferred.
  • (rare) A letter conferring other advantages.

Etymology

Derived from lettre patente (open letter) derived from Latin littera patens (open letter).

Origin

Latin

littera patens

Gloss

open letter

Timeline

Distribution of cognates by language

Geogrpahic distribution of cognates

Cognates and derived terms