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| The ] word ''commode'' comes from ] roots meaning "convenient" or "suitable". | The ] word ''commode'' comes from ] roots meaning "convenient" or "suitable". | ||
| Originally, in furniture it meant a ''']''', with one or more doors, that served as a ] with a washbasin and water |
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 ]. | ||
Revision as of 17:57, 10 September 2006
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.
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.
The term is also used quite frequently to mean house, especially by Peruvian youths.
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