etymology - What is the origin and use of "remember me to her/him"?


Is anybody familiar with the use of remember as in remember me to her/him? I think I've see it in 19th century literature. Most likely it's archaic.


I believe the speaker is commanding someone to give somebody his regards, or say hello. It seems awkward to hear it now as we only use remember in the imperative to remind someone of something, as in, "remember to walk the dog".


Where does this use of remember come from and is it out of use?



Answer



Looks like its use is fading fairly quickly. Too bad. Seems a more meaningful way of expressing the sentiment for which we now say tell him I said "hi."


Ngram:


Found reference of remember me to... from 1602:



Remember me to the "most worthy Governor."



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