The word ottoman was introduced into English in the "footstool" sense in 1806 (probably from the identical French word, which also denotes a type of textile fabric), because the ottoman's typical use in a reclining position was associated in Europe with the Orient, in line with fashionable Turkish influence since the early 18th century (when the Balkans were still partially under Ottoman rule). It is not supposed to have been invented by the Ottoman Turks.
The word Ottoman, as associated with the furniture used as a footstool, is widely believed to have come about in the late 18th century when Egypt, then a part of the Ottoman Empire, was invaded by the French. This invasion included physical punishment to include "pain walks" (loosely translated) - because of these walks Ottomans soon thereafter fashioned footstools to rest their tired extremities. These footstools later became widely popular in Europe and the term 'Ottoman' was coined to give tribute to the furniture's origin.
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