apothegm

The story

1. Ancient Greek · derived fromἀπόφθεγμα
2. Medieval Latin · derived fromapothegma
3. French · derived fromapophthegme
4. English todayapothegm

From French apophthegme or Medieval Latin apothegma, from Ancient Greek ἀπόφθεγμα (apóphthegma), from ἀποφθέγγομαι (apophthéngomai, “speak out”).

First known use, by meaning

• from mid-16th c. A short, witty, instructive saying; an aphorism or maxim.