parcel
UK[ˈpɑːsl]US[ˈpɑːrsl]
n
An object or collection of objects wrapped in paper or packed in a box, especially so that it can be sent by post.
n
A piece of land, especially one that has been divided from a larger area.
v
To divide something into parts and give them to different people.
Etymology
The journey of 'parcel' begins with the Latin noun 'pars', meaning a part or share, which itself traces back to the Proto-Indo-European root 'pere-', meaning to grant or allot. In Vulgar Latin, the diminutive form 'particella' (a small part) evolved, emphasizing a minor division or portion. This term was adopted into Old French as 'parcelle', retaining the sense of a small piece, and entered Middle English in the late 14th century. Over time, its meaning specialized to commonly refer to a wrapped package (a portion of goods for dispatch) and a distinct portion of land, while also developing a verb sense for the act of dividing and distributing such portions.
Analysis
The word 'parcel' is a simplex form. It entered English as a noun from Old French 'parcelle', meaning a small part or portion. The Old French term derived from Vulgar Latin 'particella', a diminutive of Latin 'pars' (meaning part or portion). The verb sense developed from the noun in the late 15th century.
Examples
The postman delivered a parcel for you this morning.
He owns a parcel of land on the outskirts of town.
The vast estate was parcelled out among the heirs.