Early 18th century; earliest use found in Thomas Brown (bap. 1663, d. 1704), writer. From French historiette from classical Latin historia + French -ette.
Definition of historiette in US English:
historiette
nounˌhɪst(ə)riˈɛt
A short history or story; an anecdote.
Origin
Early 18th century; earliest use found in Thomas Brown (bap. 1663, d. 1704), writer. From French historiette from classical Latin historia + French -ette.