Easel

The word easel comes from Latin asinus (ass), defined by a dictionary as a “solid ungulate quadruped beast of burden of the horse kind, but smaller and with long ears and a short mane, native to southwest Asia.” The words ass and donkey are synonymous.
 
Latin asinus is the source of Dutch esel (ass) and, later, Dutch ezel (easel); the comparison being of loading a donkey and propping up a painting or canvas on a wooden stand. The word easel came to English in the 1590s.
 
So, the next time you hear someone say, “I think I better get my ass in gear”, it likely means that they are getting ready to paint something.
 
 
Reference: Online Etymological Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com/
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