Definition of carpentry

The word "carpentry" originated from the Old French word "charpenter," which means "shipbuilder" or "maker of vessels." This term was derived from the Latin words "capere," meaning "to take or carry," and "pannus," meaning "cloth or fabric." The Latin phrase "capere pannum" translates to "to carry a cloth or fabric," referring to the process of building and shaping wooden vessels. As the Middle English language evolved, the term "charpenter" was adapted to become "carpenter," with the meaning shifting to include all types of woodworking and furniture-making. The term "carpentry" emerged in the 15th century to describe the trade or occupation of a carpenter, encompassing various forms of woodworking, including building, repairing, and transforming wood into various objects.