Etymology 8: Actor

This word originated in the late 14 century. It means, "an overseer," or a "plaintiff." Yet again, this word comes from the Latin language. In Latin, "actor" menat, "an agent or doer." There is a sense of meaning of, "one who performs in plays" that came to be understood in the 1580s. This term was originally applied to both men and women, but now women are referred to as actresses of course.