- firm (adj.)
- late 14c., from O.Fr. ferme, from L. firmus "firm, stable," from PIE base *dher(e)- "to hold, support" (cf. Skt. dharmah "custom, law," Gk. thronos "seat," Lith. dirzmas "strong," Welsh dir "hard," Breton dir "steel"). The return in late 1500s to -i- from M.E. ferme was modeled on the Latin. Related: Firmly; firmness.
- firm (n.)
- "business house," 1744, from Ger. Firma "a business, name of a business," originally "signature," from It. firma "signature," from firmare "to sign," from L. firmare "make firm, affirm, confirm (by signature)," from firmus "firm, stable" (see firm (adj.)).
- firm (v.)
- c.1300, fermen "make firm, establish," from O.Fr. fermer, from L. firmare, from firmus (see firm (adj.)). Related: Firmed; firming.