Definition of collar

The word "collar" has its origins in Old French, where it was spelled "colier". This term referred to a type of neckwear worn by men, particularly a cord or strap worn around the neck, often as a symbol of office or status. The word "collar" entered Middle English around the 13th century, taking its French form and spelling. Initially, it referred solely to the neckwear, but over time, it expanded to encompass other meanings, such as the rim of a bell, a boundary or edge, or a reference point. In modern English, the word "collar" is commonly used in various contexts, including fashion (e.g., collared shirt), dogs (e.g., dog collar), and even racing (e.g., chequered flag with a stumbling point called the "flag's collar"). Despite its evolution, the core idea of the word – referring to something that encircles or surrounds – remains the same as it was in its earliest French and Old English forms.