Eunuch
/ˈjuː.nək/noun
A castrated male, historically often employed as a court official, guardian, or servant.
Did you know?The Greek term originally described a guardian of a ruler’s bedroom, reflecting the belief that a castrated attendant could be trusted around royal women and dynastic secrets.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*wes-
“To spend the night or sleep; the probable ancient root behind Greek words for sleeping and a bed.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
εὐνή (eunē)
“Bed, couch, or sleeping place.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
εὐνοῦχος (eunoukhos)
“Literally “one who guards or keeps the bed,” from eunē “bed” and ekhein “to hold or keep.””
Classical Latin
Latin
eunūchus
“A castrated man, especially one serving in a royal or elite household.”
Old French
Old French
eunuque
“A castrated male servant or court attendant.”
14th Century
English
eunuch
“A castrated man, borrowed through French and Latin from Greek.”
Modern English
English
eunuch
“A castrated male, especially in historical contexts involving courts, harems, or palace administration.”