Definition of hamper

The word "hamper" originated in the late 16th century, and it originally had a different meaning than the one we use it for today. Its roots can be traced back to the Old French word "enquatre," meaning "angle" or "corner," which referred to a type of wooden basket called a "corner basket" or "cornier" in Middle French. This corner basket was commonly used to store or transport foods, such as salted meat, fish, and grain, in medieval and early modern Europe. The English borrowed this word in the late 16th century, but they changed the spelling to "hamper" and the pronunciation to something closer to "ampa." The original meaning of "hamper" in English, however, was not specifically related to food or storage. At this time, "hamper" simply meant "angle" or "corner" in general, much like its French root. Over time, the meaning of "hamper" began to shift as it was used to describe the corner or recessed space where a wooden corner basket might be stored, and eventually, it became associated with the baskets themselves. Today, the word "hamper" is most commonly used to refer to a woven or wooden basket used for holding or carrying items, particularly clothing or other household goods. While its origins lie in the corner baskets of medieval Europe, "hamper" has taken on a wider meaning over time and has become a part of our modern English vocabulary.