An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

A male → parent.

Etymology (EN): M.E. fader, from O.E. fæder “father, male ancestor;” cf. O.S. fadar, Du. vader, O.N. faðir, O.H.G. fater, Ger. Vater; PIE *pəter-; cognate with Pers. pedar, as below.

Etymology (PE): Pedar, from Mid.Pers.
pidar, variant pid “father;”
O.Pers. pitā- “father;” Av. patar-; cf. Skt. pitár-; Gk. pater; L. pater (Fr. père, Sp. padre).