quorum

The story

1. Latin · derived fromquōrum
2. Anglo-Norman · derived fromquorum
3. Middle English · inherited fromquorum
4. English todayquorum

Inherited from Middle English quorum (c. 1426), from Anglo-Norman quorum, clipped from the Anglo-Latin wording of commissions in which certain persons were specially designated as members of a body by the words quorum vos unum esse volumus ad etc. (“of whom we want you to be one assigned to etc.”). Latin quōrum is the masculine genitive plural of the relative pronoun quī (“who”).

First known use, by meaning

• from 1426 A select body of (usually eminent) justices of the peace, every member of which had to be present to constitute a deciding body; a member of this body. Later more generally: all justices collectively.
• from 1616 The minimum number of members required for a group to officially conduct business and to cast votes, often but not necessarily a majority or supermajority.
• from 1596 Distinguished or essential members of any body; a select company.