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eternity · Feb 6, 2005, 01:28 PM

I would like to ask all available experts on a matter of evolutionary glossology if they have any knowledge of the descent of the word "professor". I would like opinions on the meaning, origin and evolution of this word. Which race, people, language or country claim its origin.
I will eagerly await your responses.
I thank you in advance.

eternity

VSPrasad · Jul 25, 2007, 04:52 AM

c.1380, from L. professor "person who professes to be an expert in some art or science, teacher of highest rank," agent noun from profitieri "lay claim to, declare openly" (see profess). As a title prefixed to a name, it dates from 1706. Short form prof is recorded from 1838. Professorial (1713) is from L.L. professorius "pertaining to a public teacher."

http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?term=professor

Origin: 1350–1400; ME < ML prōfessor one who has taken the vows of a religious order, L: a public lecturer, equiv. to prō- pro-1 + -fet-, comb. Form of fatérī to acknowledge, declare + -tor -tor, with tt > ss

Middle English professour, from Old French professeur, from Latin professor, from professus, past participle of profitērī, to profess.

http://dictionary.reference.com/search?q=professor&r=66