sect

Where does the word "sect" come from? It comes from Latin sequi, passing through Latin before entering English (1300s).

Sect’s story begins in Latin: sequi meant “to follow.” The root of 'second', 'sequence' and 'consequence'. Within Latin, it grew into secta by ancient. A following, a body of followers, a course of action, from sequi. It reached English by 1300s as sect. Settled as the English word for a group with distinct beliefs within a larger religion. Today, sect means a group of people with distinct beliefs, especially a subgroup within a larger religion.

1. Stage 1 · Latin · ancient sequi "to follow", the root of 'second', 'sequence' and 'consequence'.
2. Stage 2 · Latin · ancient secta "a following, a body of followers", a following, a body of followers, a course of action, from sequi.
3. Stage 3 · English · 1300s sect "a group with distinct beliefs within a larger religion or movement", settled as the English word for a group with distinct beliefs within a larger religion.