Envois

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

  1. A plural form referring to written communications or messages sent to an intended recipient, often in a formal context
  2. A set of documents or submissions sent for review, consideration, or distribution to others
  3. Written pieces submitted for a specific purpose, typically conveying information or requests in an official capacity

Etymology: The word "envois" traces back to French origins, where it functions as the plural form of "envoi," meaning a sending or dispatch. In its earliest uses, it referred broadly to the act of sending something, often a letter or message. The singular "envoi" entered English primarily through the literary world, especially in poetry, denoting a brief concluding stanza or dedication that "sends off" a poem. This specialized poetic use took hold in English in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, influenced by French poetic forms and terminology. The French "envoi" itself derives from the verb "envoyer," which means "to send." This verb combines the prefix "en-" (a form of "in" or "into") with "voi," linked to the Old French "voie," meaning way or path. Thus, the root idea is to send something on its way. Over time, "envoi" evolved from a general term for sending to a more figurative sense in poetry—an epilogue or a farewell message at the poem’s end, essentially "sending off" the work or the poet’s intentions. When English poets and critics adopted the term, they retained the French spelling and the nuanced literary sense. The plural "envois" is used when referring to multiple such concluding stanzas or messages, especially in collections of poetry or discussions of poetic form. Outside poetry, the plural can also refer to multiple dispatches or shipments, but this usage is less common in English. The appeal of the word in English literary circles lies in its elegant encapsulation of the idea of closure and communication. It carries a sense of artistry and intentionality, not just any sending but a carefully composed sign-off, which distinguishes it from more mundane terms like "message" or "dispatch." This poetic nuance has preserved its presence in English, particularly among scholars and enthusiasts of classical and formal poetry.

Synonyms: dispatches, shipments, consignments, deliveries