Here's how it evolved:
* Latin: "titulus" (title, inscription)
* Old French: "tittle" (small mark, point)
* Middle English: "tittle" (small mark, point, or dot)
* Modern English: "tittle" (a very small detail, a jot or a bit, often used in the phrase "to a T")
The transition from "title" to "tittle" reflects the evolution of the word's meaning. Initially, "tittle" referred to the small markings or dots found in written titles or inscriptions. Over time, its meaning shifted to encompass any small or insignificant detail, similar to how the word "dot" is used today.
The phrase "to a T" is a testament to the word's historical connection to titles and inscriptions. Originally, "to a T" meant "perfectly, exactly, or precisely," referring to the exactness with which a title was written.
So, the next time you encounter the word "tittle," remember its long journey from Latin titles to the small details that make up our world.