1. "Cab" as a shortened form of "cabriolet":
* 17th century: The word "cabriolet" emerged in French, referring to a two-wheeled, horse-drawn carriage with a folding top. This word is believed to be derived from the French word "cabrier," meaning "to leap," possibly due to the carriage's ability to navigate uneven terrain.
* 19th century: "Cabriolet" was shortened to "cab" in English, becoming a more general term for any horse-drawn carriage for hire.
2. "Cab" as a reference to a taxi:
* Late 19th century: With the rise of the automobile, the term "cab" started to be used for gasoline-powered taxis. This is likely due to the initial resemblance of these early cars to horse-drawn cabs.
3. "Cab" as a more general term for a vehicle:
* 20th century: The term "cab" expanded further to refer to the driver's compartment in any vehicle, including trucks, buses, and trains. This usage is still common today.
Therefore, the origin of the word "cab" can be traced back to the 17th century and the French word "cabriolet." It has since evolved to encompass various types of vehicles, reflecting the changing modes of transportation throughout history.