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domino

domino [ dómminō ] (plural dominoes)

noun

Definition:

1. small tile used in game: any one of a set of small oblong blocks with its face divided into two sections, each section either blank or marked with a number of spots, used in playing a game

2. hooded cloak and mask: formerly, a hooded cloak and eye mask worn as a disguise at a party masquerade, the cloak or mask alone, or the wearer of any of these

3. country affected by domino theory: a country thought likely to be affected by political events in another country, particularly by the spread of Communism

[Late 17th century. < French, 'priest's winter hood, masked cloak worn at masquerades']

Word History


	The use of domino for a small oblong block used in games (or dominoes for the game) is not found until the late 18C, probably as an independent borrowing from French (certain French prisoners of war being thought to have brought the game to England). Why the game is so called is uncertain, but it might come from a likening of the gaming pieces (which often originally had white faces with ebony backs) to the pale faces of priests within dark hoods.

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