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| Originally, in furniture it meant a ''']''', with one or more doors, that served as a ] with a washbasin and water pitcher, and that also offered an enclosed area below for storing a ]. Convenience cabinets called commodes often furnished middle-class bedrooms before the days of indoor plumbing. | Originally, in furniture it meant a ''']''', with one or more doors, that served as a ] with a washbasin and water pitcher, and that also offered an enclosed area below for storing a ]. Convenience cabinets called commodes often furnished middle-class bedrooms before the days of indoor plumbing. | ||
| In modern English use, the term has become a ] meaning ''']''', usually a lavatory appliance made of ], or a metal ] with a built-in ] often used in ]. | In modern English use, the term has become a ] meaning ''']''', usually a lavatory appliance made of ], or a metal ] with a built-in ] often used in ] and ] restaurants. | ||
| In contemporary French, however, ''la commode'', like the German ''die Kommode'', means a low ''']''' on stubby legs. This current meaning of the French word applies especially to chests in the French style. | In contemporary French, however, ''la commode'', like the German ''die Kommode'', means a low ''']''' on stubby legs. This current meaning of the French word applies especially to chests in the French style. | ||
Revision as of 14:25, 26 April 2007
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A Commode is any of several pieces of furniture.
The English word commode comes from French roots meaning "convenient" or "suitable".
Originally, in furniture it meant a cabinet, with one or more doors, that served as a washstand with a washbasin and water pitcher, and that also offered an enclosed area below for storing a chamberpot. Convenience cabinets called commodes often furnished middle-class bedrooms before the days of indoor plumbing.
In modern English use, the term has become a euphemism meaning toilet, usually a lavatory appliance made of porcelain, or a metal chair with a built-in chamber pot often used in nursing homes and Subway restaurants.
In contemporary French, however, la commode, like the German die Kommode, means a low chest of drawers on stubby legs. This current meaning of the French word applies especially to chests in the French style.
See also: Nightstand
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