2007-02-12 07:16:27 · 16 answers · asked by Ken M 3 in Education & Reference ➔ Words & Wordplay
It derives from the Old English feowertiene niht, meaning "fourteen nights".
2007-02-12 07:19:46 · answer #1 · answered by scareyd 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
The reason that a fortnight is called a fortnight is because the word comes from the old english word feowertiene niht, meaning "fourteen nights."
Oh, and what Janine said.
2007-02-12 15:24:03 · answer #2 · answered by What, what, what?? 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Merriam Webster's etymology of "fortnight": Middle English fourtenight, alteration of fourtene night, from Old English fEowertyne niht fourteen nights
2007-02-12 15:21:44 · answer #3 · answered by Riven 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
When Hadrians wall was built it had forts situated at regular intervals along the wall. It was built to protect the Roman northern England border from the Scots. Every two weeks soldiers got to sleep in the forts. Hence the word fortnight that means two weeks. I hope this helps.
2007-02-12 15:26:09 · answer #4 · answered by Janine E 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It derives from old english. "feowertiene niht" is fourteen nights, or a fortnight.
2007-02-12 15:20:31 · answer #5 · answered by anto687 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It derives from the Old English feowertiene niht, meaning "fourteen nights."
2007-02-12 15:19:59 · answer #6 · answered by Pookie 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Interesting question. I DO know that I work with many American "red neck" types who do not understand the word "fortnight", and have no understanding of the concept of a fortnight.
Thus illustrating some deficiencies in the American educational system.
2007-02-12 15:19:44 · answer #7 · answered by Not Ecky Boy 6 · 0⤊ 4⤋
From old English 'feowertyne niht' meaning fourteen nights.
2007-02-12 15:21:39 · answer #8 · answered by DoctressWho 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
14 nights
2007-02-12 15:23:49 · answer #9 · answered by Klick 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
14 nights
2007-02-12 15:18:35 · answer #10 · answered by caretaker 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋