Etiquette is from the French word for ticket, and its present use in
English suggests the old custom of distributing tickets or cards on
which the ceremonies to be observed at any formal proceedings are
fully set forth—a kind of program for important social gatherings of
distinguished persons. Modern usage has given the word a much wider
significance. It means the manners or deportment of cultured people;
their bearing toward, or treatment of others.
The suggestions in a recent number of THE CHAUTAUQUAN, respecting
“street etiquette,” or things proper to be observed in riding, driving
and walking, will not now be repeated, though many of our younger
readers might profit by having, on so familiar a subject, “line upon
line, precept upon precept.”
The etiquette proper for the home and every-day life, in town and
country, is quite as important, and embraces more things than there is
space to notice.