- roost (n.)
- late Old English hrost "wooden framework of a roof, perch," from a Germanic source, related to Old Saxon hrost, Middle Dutch, Flemish, Dutch roest, roost "framework of a roof," Old Norse hrot, Gothic hrot "roof." Exact relationship and ulterior connections unknown. To rule the roost is recorded from 1769.
- roost (v.)
- 1520s, from roost (n.). Related: Roosted; roosting. Chickens come home to roost in reference to eventual consequences of bad actions attested from 1824; the original proverb seems to have been curses, like chickens, come home to roost.