Judge
/dʒʌdʒ/noun
A public official appointed to decide cases in a court of law.
Did you know?The word 'judge' is derived from ancient roots meaning 'to lead' or 'to guide', reflecting the mystical authority over life and death in ancient courts.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*dʰewgʰ-
“to lead or guide, suggesting a role of authority.”
Latin
Latin
iudex
“a judge, literally meaning 'one who declares or leads'.”
Old French
Old French
juggere
“to judge or decide, reflecting the transition of power to a single arbiter.”
Middle English
Middle English
jugge
“to make a decision, establishing the authority of the judge in legal matters.”
Modern English
English
judge
“to form an opinion or conclusion about something, retaining its connotation of power and authority.”