Definition of russet

The word "russet" originated in Middle English, around the 14th century. It came from the Old French word "ruset," which meant "brownish-red" or "brownish." In English, the word was originally spelled "rozet" or "russet," with the latter variation becoming more commonly used. The original meaning of "russet" referred to any color that was a combination of brown and red, which could be found in a variety of objects, from clothing to fruit. The word's association with fruits such as apples and pears came about during the Tudor period in England, when russet apples became popular due to their distinctive brownish-red skin. The russet apple, specifically, got its name from the brownish-red rough spots that often appeared on its skin, which gave it a slightly rustic appearance. Over time, the word "russet" has come to specifically refer to this type of apple, although it is sometimes used more generally to describe any fruit or vegetable with a deep, reddish-brown hue. In summary, the word "russet" has its roots in Middle English, referring to any combination of brown and red, and later became associated with a specific type of apple due to its distinct skin texture.