parson

Where does the word "parson" come from? It comes from Latin persona, passing through Old French before entering English (1200s).

Parson’s story begins in Latin: persona meant “person, character.” The 'person' representing the parish in law. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as persone. Legally the parish's chief person. It reached English by 1200s as parson. A doublet of 'person'. Today, parson means a parish priest.

1. Stage 1 · Latin · ancient persona "person, character", the 'person' representing the parish in law.
2. Stage 2 · Old French · medieval persone "parson", legally the parish's chief person.
3. Stage 3 · English · 1200s parson "parish priest", a doublet of 'person'.