Английский Этимологический словарь - powder

- 13c., from O.Fr. poudre, earlier pouldre, from L. pulverem (gen. pulvis) "dust." Powder keg is first attested 1855. Powder puff first recorded 1704; as a symbol of femaleness or effeminacy, in use from at least 1930s. Phrase take a powder "scram, vanish," is from 1920, perhaps from the notion of taking a laxative medicine, so one has to leave in a hurry; or from a magician's magical powder, which made things disappear.