Etymology

afterpiece

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Today it means: An additional work following the main work; especially, a minor entertainment performed after a play. Full definition →

First used 17th c.
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The story

From after- + piece.

First known use, by meaning

  • from 17th c. An additional work following the main work; especially, a minor entertainment performed after a play.
  • from 18th c. The heel of a rudder.

Etymology from Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.