- compact (adj.)
- late 14c., from L. compactus "concentrated," pp. of compingere "to fasten together," from com- "with, together" + pangere "to fix, fasten." The noun meaning "make-up case" first recorded 1921, based on its containing compacted face powder; compact car is 1960. Compact disc is from 1979.
- compact (n.)
- "agreement," 1591, from L. compactum, pp. of compacisci "come to agreement," from com- "together" + pacisci "to covenant, contract" (see pact).