The word easel is derived from the old Germanic word for donkey, esel. Interestingly, the word easel also means donkey in other languages, such as Dutch and Latin. The word esel was in reference to an artist’s easel as it carried supplies and held a canvas much like a donkey would carry luggage or loads. Over time, the word esel morphed into the word easel, which is the easel definition still used today.