targe

Meaning

1. A small shield.
2. A pendant or tassel.

Synonyms

target

Pronounced as (IPA)

/tɑːd͡ʒ/

Etymology

Inherited from Middle English: targe

Inherited from Old English: targa

Cognate with Old High German: zarga

Cognate with German: Zarge

In summary

From Middle English targe, either:
* from Old French targe, from Frankish *targā (“buckler”);
or
* from Old English targa (masculine) and targe (feminine);
both ultimately from Old Norse targa (“round shield”) from Proto-Germanic *targǭ (“edge”), from Proto-Indo-European *derǵʰ- (“fenced lot”). Akin to Old High German zarga (“side wall, rim”) (German Zarge (“border, frame”)). However, the soft -g- seems to indicate a French origin.