Where did the term mascot come from and what does word mean?

The word "mascot" comes from the French word "mascotte", which in turn comes from the Provençal word "mascoto". The word "mascoto" is thought to have originated from the Arabic word "ma'sūd", which means "lucky" or "blessed".

Mascots are often animals, but they can also be people or objects. They are believed to bring good luck or fortune to their owners or teams. Mascots are often used by sports teams, schools, and businesses.

The first recorded use of the word "mascot" in English was in 1881. The word was used to describe a live goose that was kept by a British military regiment as a good luck charm.