bricklayer

The word 'bricklayer' is a transparent compound formed within Middle English from two native elements. The first element, 'brick', entered English via Old French from a Germanic source, originally referring to a baked or dried block of material. The second element, 'layer', is derived from the Old English verb 'lecgan' (to lay) combined with the agentive suffix '-er', common in occupational titles. The compound literally means "one who lays bricks," a straightforward description of the trade that has remained semantically stable since its formation, reflecting the practical nature of English occupational nomenclature.

Structure: brick (material) + layer (one who places) - brick: From Middle English brike, from Old French brique, of Germanic origin. Functions as the core noun denoting the specific building material. - layer: From Middle English leyer, from leyen (to lay) + -er (agent suffix). Functions as an agent noun suffix meaning "one who lays or places."