Word origin
[1615–25; ‹ L
stelliōnātus deceit, underhandedness, equiv. to
stelliōn- (s. of
stelliō) lizard, crafty person +
-ātus -ate3]This word is first recorded in the period 1615–25. Other words that entered Englishat around the same time include: berth, evolution, garrote, oral, trigger-ate is a suffix occurring orig. in nouns borrowed from Latin, and in English coinagesfrom Latin bases, that denote offices or functions (consulate; triumvirate; pontificate), as well as institutions or collective bodies (electorate; senate); sometimes extended to denote a person who exercises such a function (magistrate; potentate), an associated place (consulate), or a period of office or rule (protectorate). Joined to stems of any origin, -ate signifies the office, term of office, or territory of a ruler or official (caliphate; khanate; shogunate)