bassinet

English

From French bassinet (“small basin”), equivalent to basin +‎ -et. Ernest Klein, however, suggests derivation from French bercelonnette (“cradle”), with influence from bassin(et), to account for the English sense.

bassinet (plural bassinets)

A newborn baby's bed, traditionally woven with reeds or straw; a (wicker) cradle.
- 2020, Avni Doshi, Burnt Sugar, Hamish Hamilton, page 198:
  The next day, the baby sleeps in a bassinet near my bed.

type of newborn baby's bed

bassinet (plural bassinets)

Alternative form of bascinet.
- 1786, Francis Grose, A Treatise on Ancient Armour and Weapons, page 11:
  Bassinets were worn in the reigns of Edward II. and III. and Richard II. by most of the English Infantry, as may be repeatedly seen in the Rolls of Parliament, and other public records.
- 1891, Arthur Conan Doyle, The White Company, chapter 16:
  Alleyne stood by the tiller, looking backwards, the fresh wind full in his teeth, the crisp winter air tingling on his face and blowing his yellow curls from under his bassinet.