privilege

The story

1. Latin · derived fromprīvilēgium“ordinance or law against or in favor of an individual”
2. Old French · derived fromprivilege
3. Anglo-Norman · derived fromprivilege
4. Middle English · inherited fromprivilege
5. English todayprivilege

From Middle English privilege, from Anglo-Norman privilege and Old French privilege, from Latin prīvilēgium (“ordinance or law against or in favor of an individual”), from prīvus (“private”) + lēx, lēg- (“law”). Displaced native Old English frēols (“privilege, immunity”).

First known use, by meaning

• from 8th c. An exemption from certain laws granted by the Pope.
• from 10th c. A particular benefit, advantage, or favor; a right or immunity enjoyed by some but not others; a prerogative, preferential treatment.
• from 14th c. An especially rare or fortunate opportunity; the good fortune (to do something).
• from 14th c. The fact of being privileged; the status or existence of (now especially social or economic) benefit or advantage within a given society.
• from 16th c. A right or immunity enjoyed by a legislative body or its members.
• from 19th c. A stock market option.