- object (n.)
- late 14c., "tangible thing, something perceived or presented to the senses," from M.L. objectum "thing put before" (the mind or sight), neut. of L. objectus, pp. of obicere "to present, oppose, cast in the way of," from ob "against" + jacere "to throw" (see jet). Sense of "thing aimed at" is late 14c. No object "not a thing regarded as important" is from 1782. Object lesson "instruction conveyed by examination of a material object" is from 1831.
- object (v.)
- c.1400, "to bring forward in opposition," from L. objectus, pp. of objectare "to cite as grounds for disapproval," freq. of obicere, or else lit. "to put or throw before or against" (see object (n.)).