Personage
/ˈpɜːr.sə.nɪdʒ/noun
A notable or important person, especially one with status or distinction.
Did you know?Personage comes through French from Latin *persona*, the word for a mask or role in a play, so its history is tied to the idea that identity can be something performed.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
persona
“a mask worn by an actor; a role or character”
Late Latin
Latin
personaticum
“something pertaining to a person or office”
Old French
Old French
personage
“a person of distinction; a notable individual”
Middle English
English
personage
“a person, especially one of rank or importance”
Modern English
English
personage
“an important or notable person”