Minor
/ˈmaɪ.nər/noun
A person under the age of full legal responsibility.
Did you know?In ancient Rome, 'minor' referred to not just age but also lesser social status, casting a shadow over one's rights and privileges.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*mei-
“to diminish or reduce.”
Latin
Latin
minor
“smaller, lesser, or younger.”
Old French
Old French
minor
“younger or lesser in rank.”
14th Century
Middle English
minor
“a term for someone of lesser age or status.”
Modern English
English
minor
“referring to someone under the age of legal adulthood or lesser importance.”