vacation

vacation · noun, verb¹

1. Latin · derived fromvacātiō
2. Old French · derived fromvacacion
3. Anglo-Norman · derived fromvacacioun
4. Middle English · inherited fromvacation
5. English todayvacation

Inherited from Middle English vacation, vacacion, vacacioun, from Anglo-Norman vacacioun, from Old French vacacion, vacation, from Latin vacātiō. Equivalent to vacate + -ion.

VACation · noun²

From VAC, initials of the Valve Anti-Cheat software, and vacation.

First known use, by meaning

• from 19th c. An extended trip or journey away from home for rest or pleasure.
• from 15th c. A period during which official activity or business is formally suspended; an official holiday from university, law courts etc.
• from 19th c. The act of vacating something; moving out.
• from 14th c. Freedom from some business or activity.
• 15th–17th c. Free time given over to a specific purpose; occupation, activity.