Etymology Map
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Deputy

3 stages from Late Latin to English.

Today it means a person acting for another

Where does the word "deputy" come from? It comes from Late Latin deputare, passing through Old French before entering English (1400s).

1
Stage 1 of 3
deputare
Late Latin · ancient
"to assign"
'de-' plus 'putare', to reckon
2
Stage 2 of 3
deputé
Old French · medieval
"appointed"
past participle: one appointed
3
Stage 3 of 3
deputy
English · 1400s
"substitute"
US sheriff's 'deputies' date from the 1800s
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Read the full story

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.