Where does “monster-in-law” come from?
monster-in-law (English) comes from English monster, from Middle English monstre, from Old French monstre, from Latin mōnstrum, from Proto-Italic monestrom.
monster-in-law (English): A very unpleasant mother-in-law
Definitions
- A very unpleasant mother-in-law
Ancestry of “monster-in-law”, step by step
monster-in-law traces back through two separate lines of ancestry.
via English monster
| Step | Language | Word | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | English | monster | A terrifying and dangerous creature; A bizarre or... |
| 2 | Middle English | monstre | A monster or beast; a horrific or frightening... |
| 3 | Old French | monstre | monster |
| 4 | Latin | mōnstrum | a divine omen indicating misfortune, an evil omen, portent |
| 5 | Proto-Italic | monestrom | — |
via English mother-in-law
| Step | Language | Word | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | English | mother-in-law | The mother of one's spouse; A mother-in-law... |
| 2 | Middle English | moder in lawe | mother-in-law |