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You are here: Home / Language / Where Did the Word “Masterpiece” For a Crowning Achievement Come From and What Does it Mean?

Where Did the Word “Masterpiece” For a Crowning Achievement Come From and What Does it Mean?

May 14, 2020 by Karen Hill

“Masterpiece” suggests great art, but when the word first appeared in German as “meisterstuck”.

It referred to a medieval standard of excellence expected from an apprentice before being allowed to join a guild of master craftsmen.

After many years under the guidance of a master, the apprentice submitted a piece of work for assessment.

If his work or masterpiece passed the test, he would be allowed into the trade as a master craftsman.

And that’s why a crowning achievement is called a Masterpiece.

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Filed Under: Language

About Karen Hill

Karen Hill is a freelance writer, editor, and columnist. Born in New York, her work has appeared in the Examiner, Yahoo News, Buzzfeed, among others.

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