custodian

Where does the word "custodian" come from? It comes from Latin custodia, and was adopted directly into English (1590s).

Custodian’s story begins in Latin: custodia meant “a guarding, protection.” A guarding, protection, from custos (guardian). It reached English by 1590s as custodian. Settled as the English word for one who guards or maintains something. Today, custodian means a person responsible for guarding, protecting, or maintaining something.

1. Stage 1 · Latin · ancient custodia "a guarding, protection", a guarding, protection, from custos (guardian).
2. Stage 2 · English · 1590s custodian "a person who guards, protects, or maintains something", settled as the English word for one who guards or maintains something.