part of a garment folded back and overlapping another, 1751 (implied in lapelled), from lap (n.2) + -el (2), diminutive suffix. Compare lappet.
Entries linking to lapel
lap n.2
1670s, "something coiled or wrapped up," from lap (v.2). Meaning "part of one thing that lies on and covers another" is from 1800. Meaning "a turn around a track" in a distance race is from 1861. Related: laps.
-el 2
diminutive suffix (though in Modern English not always perceived as such), from Old French -el (fem. -elle, Modern French -el, -eau), from Latin -ellus, -ella, -ellum, diminutive suffix, from PIE *-olo-lo-, itself a double diminutive, from *-lo- (see -ule).
lappet n.
"a small flap," 1570s; earlier "lobe of a body part" (early 15c.), from Middle English lappe "lap" (see lap (n.1)) + -et, diminutive suffix.