early 13c., from O.Fr. preisier "to praise, value," from L.L. preciare, earlier pretiare (c.550; see
price). Replaced O.E. lof, hreþ. The noun is attested from early 15c., not common until 16c. Now a verb in most Gmc. languages (Ger. preis, Dan. pris, etc.), but only