Etymology
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General etymology

English

English word general comes from Middle French general

Detailed word origin of general

Dictionary entry Language Definition
general Middle French (frm)
generall Old French (fro)
general Anglo-Norman (xno)
general English (en) (sometimes, _, postpositive) Applied to a person (as a postmodifier or a normal preceding adjective) to indicate supreme rank, in civil or military titles, and later in other terms; pre-eminent. [from 14th c.]. Giving or consisting of only the most important aspects of something, ignoring minor details; indefinite. [from 16th c.]. Including or involving every part or member of a given or [...]