How the Persian language influenced English with the word 'divan'

'Divan' is a word borrowed from Persian 'divan'. The word entered the English language some time around 1586.

divan [noun] [1586]

• the privy council of the Ottoman Empire
• council
• a council chamber
• a large couch usually without back or arms often designed for use as a bed

Meaning: the privy council of the Ottoman Empire; council; a council chamber.

Etymology: Turkish; from Persian divan account book.

Topics: Household:Furniture.

Origin: From Turkish to Persian to English.

note: Derived from Turkish divan originating in Persian dēvān (bundle of written sheets/small book/collection of poems/archive). It historically passed through meanings of book of accounts customs house council chamber and finally to long cushioned seat (sofa) because such seats were found in council chambers.

See 'divan' on the Loan Words Map

See more loan words from Persian.

See more loan words from 1500s.