preceptor

The story

1. Latin · derived frompraeceptor“commander; instructor”
2. Middle English · inherited frompreceptor
3. English todaypreceptor

From Middle English preceptor, preceptur, from Latin praeceptor (“commander; instructor”), from the verb praecipiō + -or (“-er: forming agent nouns”), from prae- (“pre-, fore-: before”) + capiō (“to take; to get, to take in, to understand”).

First known use, by meaning

• from 15th c. A teacher or tutor.
• from 15th c. The head of a preceptory of Knights Templar.
• from 19th c. A doctor who gives practical training to medical students, nurses etc.