Etymology Map
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Chancellor

3 stages from Late Latin to English.

Today it means a senior state or university official

Where does the word "chancellor" come from? It comes from Late Latin cancellarius, passing through Old French before entering English (1000s).

1
Stage 1 of 3
cancellarius
Late Latin · ancient
"usher at a lattice"
from 'cancelli', a lattice or bar separating judges from the public
2
Stage 2 of 3
chancelier
Old French · medieval
"secretary"
a king's chief secretary
3
Stage 3 of 3
chancellor
English · 1000s
"chief secretary"
the Chancellor of the Exchequer dates from the 1200s
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Read the full story

Chancellor’s story begins in Late Latin: cancellarius meant “usher at a lattice.” From 'cancelli', a lattice or bar separating judges from the public. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as chancelier. A king's chief secretary. It reached English by 1000s as chancellor. The Chancellor of the Exchequer dates from the 1200s. Today, chancellor means a senior state or university official.