An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

One from whom a person is descendant; a forefather.

Etymology (EN): M.E. ancestre, from O.Fr. ancestre, ancessor “ancestor, forebear, forefather,” from L.L. antecessor “predecessor,” literally “fore-goer,” agent noun from p.p. stem of L. antecedere “to precede,” from ante “before” + cedere “to go,” → process.

Etymology (PE): Niyâ, from Mid.Pers. niyâg “forefather, ancestor;” O.Pers. niyāka-, Av. nyāka-