chancellor etymology

Etymology:

  • Old French: chancelier
  • Middle Latin: cancellarius
  • Late Latin: cancellarius, from cancelli ("latticework, partition")

Meaning and Origin:

A chancellor is an official who holds a high position in government or a university. The term "chancellor" originally referred to a notary or secretary who worked behind a barrier or latticework partition known as "cancelli" in ancient Roman courts. This partition separated the judges from the public. The notary recorded the proceedings and issued official documents, creating the concept of a "chancery" (the office of the chancellor).

Over time, the chancellor's role expanded, depending on the context:

Government:

  • In many countries, the chancellor is the head of government, such as the German Bundeskanzler (Chancellor of Germany).
  • In the United Kingdom, the Lord Chancellor is the head of the judiciary and speaker of the House of Lords.

Universities:

  • The chancellor of a university is typically the ceremonial head of the institution, representing it at official functions.
  • The office of chancellor has its origins in medieval universities, where the chancellor was responsible for granting degrees and maintaining discipline.

Other Meanings:

  • In some organizations, such as the Knights Templar, the chancellor was responsible for managing finances and property.
  • In the Roman Catholic Church, the Chancellor of the Roman Curia is the highest-ranking official in the Vatican.

chancellor relate terms

  • chancel

    Etymology The word chancel comes from the Old French word cancel which in turn is de

  • cancel

    Etymology The word cancel derives from the Old French word canceller which in turn c

  • chancery

    Etymology and Meaning of Chancery The word chancery has its roots in the late Latin ter

  • chancellor

    Etymology Old French chancelier Middle Latin cancellarius Late Latin cancellarius f

  • counselor

    Etymology French Conseiller to advise counsel Latin Consilium advice counsel

  • peruke

    Etymology French perruque Latin pilus hair Greek πέρκη perke a head coveri

  • creationism

    Etymology Creationism is derived from the Latin word creatio which means creation

  • principal

    Etymology From Middle French principal from Latin principalis from princeps prince

  • head

    Etymology The word head comes from the Old English word heafod which itself derives

  • prime

    Etymology The word prime comes from the Latin word primus which means first Mea

  • minister

    Etymology The word minister is derived from the Latin word minister which means at

  • clout

    Etymology The word clout is derived from the Middle English word clout which in turn

  • simile

    Etymology The word simile originates from the Latin word similis meaning like or