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Where does the word "deputy" come from? It comes from Late Latin deputare, passing through Old French before entering English (1400s).
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Where does the word "deputy" come from? It comes from Late Latin deputare, passing through Old French before entering English (1400s).
Deputy’s story begins in Late Latin: deputare meant “to assign.” 'de-' plus 'putare', to reckon. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as deputé. Past participle: one appointed. It reached English by 1400s as deputy. US sheriff's 'deputies' date from the 1800s. Today, deputy means a person acting for another.
- Stage 1 · Late Latin · ancient deputare "to assign", 'de-' plus 'putare', to reckon.
- Stage 2 · Old French · medieval deputé "appointed", past participle: one appointed.
- Stage 3 · English · 1400s deputy "substitute", US sheriff's 'deputies' date from the 1800s.