Definition of felt

The word "felt" has a rich history dating back to Old English. It originally meant "to perceive or sense" and was often used in the context of intuition or instinct. Over time, the meaning of "felt" expanded to include the sense of touch, as in "felt fabric" or "felt a breeze." In the 14th century, the word "felt" began to be used in the context of materials and crafts, specifically in reference to a type of nonwoven fabric made from wool, wool pellets, or other fibers. This use of the word is thought to have originated from the Proto-Germanic word "*feltiz," which is also the source of the modern English word "felt" meaning "perceived or sensed." Today, the word "felt" is used in a variety of contexts, including craftwork, textiles, and even emotional experiences, such as "I felt sad when my dog passed away." Despite its evolution over the centuries, the core meaning of "felt" remains rooted in the idea of perception or sensation.