Captain
/ˈkæp.tɪn/noun
A person who is in command of a ship or an aircraft.
Did you know?In the Middle Ages, captains were not just leaders; they were often considered the 'chief of warriors', wielding power in both battle and governance.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
capitaneus
“A leader or chief, derived from 'caput' meaning 'head'.”
Old French
Old French
capitain
“A military leader or commander, from Latin roots.”
14th Century
Middle English
capitain
“An officer in command, reflecting authority over a group.”
Modern English
English
captain
“A person in command of a ship or military unit, retaining the notion of leadership.”