An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

A person who engages in → philosophy.

Etymology (EN): M.E., from O.E. philosophe, from L. philosophus “philosopher,” from Gk. philosophos “philosopher, sage,” literally “lover of wisdom,” → philosophy; the agent noun ending -er appears in early 14th century from an Anglo-French or O.Fr. variant of philosophe.

Etymology (PE): Filsuf, from Ar., from Gk., as above. Falsafedân, literally “philosophy knower,” with -dân present stem of dânestan “to know,” → science.