Definition of cabbage

The word "cabbage" has a fascinating history! It originates from the Old French word "caboche," which referred to a cabbage or a head of cabbage. This term is derived from the Latin word "caput," meaning "head," and the diminutive suffix "-boca," which was used to form nouns. In Middle English, the word "cabbage" emerged around the 14th century, and was initially used to refer to the plant as a whole. Over time, the term became more specific, meaning only the head of the plant, which is the part we commonly use in cooking today. Throughout history, the word "cabbage" has been adopted into various languages, including German (Kohl), Dutch (kool), and Spanish (col). Its origins in Old French and Latin reflect the early history of cultivation and trade in cabbages across Europe.