Nepote
/ˈnɛpəʊt/noun
An obsolete or rare term for a nephew, especially a relative favored by a pope or other powerful patron.
Did you know?During the Renaissance, a pope’s “nepote” could receive offices, wealth, and influence, helping give rise to the modern word “nepotism.”
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*népōt-
“A descendant, especially a grandson or nephew”
Vedic Sanskrit
Sanskrit
napāt
“Descendant or grandson”
Classical Latin
Latin
nepōs; nepōtis
“Grandchild, descendant, or nephew”
Medieval Latin
Latin
nepos
“A nephew or male relative; later, a powerful patron’s relative”
16th Century
Italian/Latin
nepote
“Nephew or close male relative”
Early Modern English
English
nepote
“A rare or obsolete borrowing meaning nephew”
Modern English
English
nepotism
“Favoritism shown to relatives, especially in appointments or offices”