Etymology

set-off

Today it means: Something used to improve the appearance; a decoration, an ornament. Full definition →

First used 17th c.
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The story

Deverbal from set off.

First known use, by meaning

  • from 17th c. Something used to improve the appearance; a decoration, an ornament.
  • from 18th c. The act of setting off on a journey; a departure, a start.
  • from 18th c. A counterclaim; a distinct claim filed or set up by the defendant against the plaintiff's demand.
  • from 18th c. Anything set off against another thing; a compensation, a counterbalancing circumstance.

Etymology from Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.