An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

To give up an office or position, often formally.

Etymology (EN): M.E. resignen “give up, surrender, abandon; relinquish,” from O.Fr. resigner “renounce, relinquish,” from L. resignare “to check off, cancel, give back, give up,” from → re- “opposite” + signare “to make an entry in an account book,” literally “to mark;” → sign.

Etymology (PE): Vâgâmidan, literally “to step back,” from vâ-→ re- + gâmidan “to step, go, → walk.”