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Origin and history of triage

triage(n.)

early 18c., "action of assorting according to quality," from French triage "a picking out, sorting" (14c.), from Old French trier "to pick, cull" (see try (v.)). In World War I, adopted for the sorting of wounded soldiers into groups according to the severity of their injuries.

In English, "that which is culled, picked, or thrown out" (early 19c. in English). There seems to be some influence from or convergence with Latin tria "three," as in triage for "coffee beans of the third or lowest quality;" in the 1895 Century Dictionary the meaning of triage is "refuse of whole coffee."

The World War I sense, now the predominant one, was adopted from French use.

First of all, the wounded man, or "blessé," is carried into the first of the so-called "Salles de Triage" or sorting wards. Here his name and regimental number, and if he is in condition to give it, the address of his family are taken; .... Then a hasty look-over from the surgeon sends him into one of the two other "Salles de Triage" — that of the "Petits Blessés" if he is only slightly wounded and that of the "Grands Blessés" if he is more severely so. [Woods Hutchinson, M.D., "The Doctor in War," Boston, 1918]

also from early 18c.

Entries linking to triage

try(v.)

c. 1300, trien, "to separate (one thing) from another or others, set apart, distinguish;" especially "separate the good or desired part from the rest," from Anglo-French trier (13c.), Old French trier "to pick out, cull" (12c.), from Gallo-Roman *triare, a word of unknown origin.

Senses develop from the notion of "separate out one thing from another or others (especially what is good) by examination." Thus "examine, evaluate; discover by examination or investigation" (c. 1300); "determine (a question) by combat."

It is attested by mid-14c. in the chiefly legal sense of "examine and determine judicially by consideration of evidence; sit in judgement upon."

It is attested by mid-14c. figuratively as "put (someone or something) to the test; prove the strength, valor, or worth of," and by 1530s as "subject (patience, endurance, etc.) to severe strain."

By early 14c. as "attempt." As "ascertain by test or endeavor; test the effectiveness or operation of," 1540s, hence "use, apply, or practice tentatively." Of a window or door, "ascertain whether it is fastened or locked," by 1844. In reference to one's luck, etc., "endeavor to ascertain by experiment or effort," 1570s.

By early 14c. also in cookery, "separate or reduce by boiling or steaming" (hence tried as an adjective); later "refine oil from blubber or fat" (1580s).

To try on "test the fit of a garment" is from 1690s; to try (something) on for size in the figurative sense is recorded by 1946. To try (one's) hand "make an attempt for the first time" is by 1711. To be willing to try anything once as a colloquial indication of openness to new experience is by 1905.

Bull-fighting is revolting in every way, and my first experience with the sport will be my last. I do not care to see it again. Only the spirit of being "willing to try anything once;" carried me to the affair. ["A Voice From the West," in Jackson (Miss.) Daily News, Nov. 10, 1907]

Try and instead of try to is recorded from 1680s. The intransitive sense of "make an effort" (1630s) is in the motivational phrase If at first you don't succeed, try, try again, which is attested from 1837.

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