When you hear 'sorrel' are you hearing English or French?

'Sorrel' is a word borrowed from French 'sorele'. The word entered the English language some time around the 15th century.

sorrel [noun] [15th century]

• a sorrel-colored animal
• a light bright chestnut horse often with white mane and tail
• a brownish orange to light brown

See 'sorrel' on the Loan Words Map

See more loan words from French.

Etymology: Middle English 'sorel' noun & adjective, from Anglo-French, from 'sor' red, auburn, probably of Germanic origin; akin to Middle Dutch 'soor' dry, barren, Old English 'sēar' dry

See more loan words from 1400s.