Definition of headed

The word "headed" has a complex and lengthy etymology. The most common usage of "headed" as an adjective, meaning directed or controlled, can be traced back to the 15th century. It comes from the Old English word "hēafod", which means "head" or "chief". This word is related to the Proto-Germanic word "haidiz", also meaning "head", and the Proto-Indo-European root "kap-", also related to the idea of "head" or "top". Initially, the word "headed" referred to something that was directed towards or governed by a particular person or thing, such as a "headed" letter being written directly to someone. Over time, the meaning of the word expanded to encompass a broader range of contexts, including abstract concepts like direction, control, or influence. Today, "headed" is a commonly used adjective in many languages and idioms.