derby
DAR-bee · noun
English
Origin
The word comes from the Epsom Derby, a horse race named after Edward Smith-Stanley, 12th Earl of Derby. His title, in turn, traces back to the English town of Derby.
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Journey
What began as the name of one specific race named for an earl's title eventually spread to describe any major sporting contest.
Related words
It shares its root with the town name Derby itself, from which the earl's title was taken.