en-tout-cas

The story

1. French · borrowed fromen tout cas“in any case; regardless”
2. English todayen-tout-cas

From French en tout cas (“in any case; regardless”).

First known use, by meaning

• from 19th c. A combination parasol-umbrella, that can protect from either sunshine or rain.
• from 20th c. A clay-based surface for tennis courts, designed for rapid drainage.