Early 17th century; earliest use found in Pierre Erondelle (fl. 1586–1609). From French proxénète broker, person who negotiates a deal, procurer or its etymon classical Latin proxenēta agent, broker from Greek προξενητής (attested in undated inscriptions) from ancient Greek προξενεῖν to be a public guest or friend, to manage for another + -τής, suffix forming agent-nouns.