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prov·e·nance

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ns, -nahns] Pronunciation Key

–noun

place or source of origin: The provenance of the ancient manuscript has never been determined.

[Origin: 1860–65; < F, deriv. of provenant, prp. of provenir < L prōvenīre to come forth; see pro-¹, convene, -ant

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Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1)
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prov·e·nance Audio Help (prŏv'ə-nəns, -näns') Pronunciation Key
n.

Place of origin; derivation.
1. The history of the ownership of an object, especially when documented or authenticated. Used of artworks, antiques, and books.
2. The records or documents authenticating such an object or the history of its ownership.

[French, from provenant, present participle of provenir, to originate, from Old French, from Latin prōvenīre : prō-, forth; see pro-¹ + venīre, to come; see g^wā- in Indo-European roots.]

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Online Etymology Dictionary - Cite This Source - Share This
provenance

1785, from Fr. provenance "origin, production," from provenant, prp. of M.Fr. provenir "come forth, arise," from L. provenire "come forth, organize," from pro- "forth" + venire "come."

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