Dynast
/ˈdaɪ.næst/noun
A hereditary ruler or member of a ruling dynasty.
Did you know?Ancient Greek dynastēs could refer to a powerful ruler or potentate, linking dynastic authority to the Greek concept of dynamis, meaning power or capacity.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*dʰewh₂-
“To be able, be capable, or have power; the reconstructed source associated with Greek power vocabulary.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
dýnamis
“Power, strength, capacity, or ability.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
dynástēs
“A powerful person, ruler, or lord; literally an agent associated with possessing power.”
Late Greek and Byzantine usage
Greek
dynastēs
“A ruler or member of a ruling house.”
16th Century
English
dynast
“A ruler or sovereign, adopted from Greek and Latin historical vocabulary.”
Modern English
English
dynast
“A hereditary ruler or a member of a powerful ruling family.”