Why is it called solitaire?

Why is it called solitaire? The Latin root at the heart of this lonely word is solitarius, “alone or isolated.” Originally, a solitaire was a widow, and eventually the word came to mean any solitary person. In the 18th century, the “gemstone” and “card game” meanings evolved.

The Latin root at the heart of this lonely word is solitarius, “alone or isolated.” Originally, a solitaire was a widow, and eventually the word came to mean any solitary person. In the 18th century, the “gemstone” and “card game” meanings evolved.