An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

The officials or office entrusted with administrative duties, maintaining records, and overseeing or performing secretarial duties, especially for an international organization (Dictionary.com).

Etymology (EN): From Fr. secrétariat, from M.L. secretariatus, from secretarius, → secretary.

Etymology (PE): Dabirxâné, literally “house of secretaries,” from dabir, → secretary, + xâné, → house.