Late 16th century. From post-classical Latin quaerent-, quaerens, use as noun of classical Latin quaerent-, quaerēns, present participle of quaerere to enquire.

Early 18th century; earliest use found in Anthony Collins (1676–1729), philosopher and freethinker. From post-classical Latin querent-, querens complainant, plaintiff, use as noun of classical Latin querent-, querēns, present participle of querī to complain.