Etymology of the French word arcane
the French word
arcanederived from the Latin word
arcanum (secret, mystery; secret)
derived from the Latin word
arcanus (confidant, trustworthy friend, keeper of secrets; secret, private, hidden)
derived from the Latin word
arca (ark; Ark of the Covenant; box, chest; strong-box; quadrangular landmark for surveyors)
derived from the Latin word
arcus (bow; bow, arc, coil)
derived from the Latin word
arcere (keep away, protect; ward, keep off, away)
using the Latin suffix
-anaderived from the Latin suffix
-anusDate
The earliest known usage of arcane in French dates from the 14th century.
Derivations in other languages
Portuguese
arcane, Romanian
arcan
