Late 16th century; earliest use found in Thomas North (1535–?1603), translator. From classical Latin prytanis magistrate in certain Greek cities, and its etymon ancient Greek πρύτανις (plural πρυτάνεις) prince, ruler, chief, at Athens a president, of unknown origin; perhaps a loanword from an Indo-European language of Asia Minor. Originally via Middle French pritane, pritanne.