- join
- c.1300, from O.Fr. joindre, from L. jungere "to join, yoke," from PIE *yeug- "to join, unite" (see jugular). A joiner (late 14c.) was a craftsman who did lighter and more ornamental work than a carpenter. Join up "enlist in the army" is from 1916. Phrase if you can't beat them, join them is from 1953. Out of joint in the fig. sense is from early 15c.