- convert (v.)
- c.1300, from O.Fr. convertir, from L. convertere "turn around, transform," from com- "together" + vertere "to turn" (see versus). Originally in the religious sense. The L. word is glossed in O.E. by gecyrren, from cierran "to turn, return." Related: Converted (pp. adj., 1590s); converter (1533, of machinery, 1867); converting (1580s).