- console (v.)
- 1690s, from Fr. consoler, from L. consolari "offer solace," from com- intensive prefix + solari "to comfort" (see solace). The Latin word is glossed in O.E. by frefran.
- console (n.)
- 1706, from Fr. console "a bracket," possibly from M.Fr. consolateur, lit. "one who consoles," word used for carved human figures supporting cornices, shelves or rails in choir stalls. Originally "a cabinet," then "organ body" (1881), "radio cabinet" (1925), then "cabinet for a TV, stereo etc." (1944).