Etymology Dictionary

PANEL, PANNEL,  a compartment with a raised border, a board with a surrounding frame.  (F.,—L.)   In Shak. As You Like It, iii. 3. 89.   M.E. panel, in two other senses:  (1) a piece of cloth on a horse's back, to serve as a sort of saddle, Cursor Mundi, 14982; (2) a schedule containing the names of those summoned to serve as jurors, P. Plowman, B. iii. 315.   The general sense is 'a piece,' and esp. a square piece, whether of wood, cloth, or parchment, but orig. of cloth only.—O.F. panel, later paneau, 'a pannel of wainscot, of a saddle, &c.;' Cot.—Low Lat. panellus, used in Prompt. Parv. p. 381, as equivalent to M.E. panele.   Dimin. of Lat. pannus, cloth, a piece of cloth, a rag; see Pane.   Der. em-panel, im-panel; see Empanel.