heart [OE] The Greek word kardia, from which English took cardiac [LME], is directly related to heart. The shared root existed before their ancestor developed into different language families in Europe, Asia, and northern India. Since Anglo-Saxon times people have regarded the heart as the centre of emotions and feelings. If you wear your heart on your sleeve [E17th], you make your feelings clear for all to see. The phrase possibly has its origins in chivalry. In the Middle Ages, when jousting was a popular form of entertainment, a knight would tie a favour to his sleeve—a ribbon, glove, or other small item belonging to the lady given as a sign of her love or support.