- panel
- c.1300, from O.Fr. panel "saddle cushion, piece of cloth," from V.L. *pannellus, dim. of L. pannus "piece of cloth" (see pane). Anglo-Fr. sense of "piece of parchment (cloth) listing jurors" led by late 14c. to meaning "jury." General sense of "persons called on to advise, judge, discuss," etc. is from 1575. Sense of "distinct part of surface of a wall, door, etc." is first recorded c.1600. Panelist is 1952 in Amer.Eng.