Etymology

Kentucky Colonel

Today it means: The greatest title of authority and honor bestown by the Commonwealth of Kentucky, recognizing noteworthy accomplishments, actions, deeds and service to a community, state or a nation. Full definition →

Iroquoian
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The story

  1. Iroquoian · derived from
  2. English todayKentucky Colonel

Origin unconfirmed from 1775. As a compound word that was merged from two lexemes the title is a demonym and exonym label that emerged in the early 19th century to refer to the old colonial leaders of Kentucky. In 1896, the state adopted the term as an official referencial title and commission for civilian officers with access to the governor. Kentucky derives from an Iroquoian word meaning "prairie"; compare Mohawk kenhtà:ke (“the meadow”), Seneca gëdá'geh (“at the field”), combined with the title Colonel which meant "head of colony, company or county" as it was originated from the place representative of its territorial leaders and founders as of 1775-1792.

Etymology from Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.