DictionaryRoot: regere
Latin
regere
guide, straighten, or rule
Forms
- regere
- rect- — The changed form used for completed action.
- reg- — The form retained before other endings.
Origin
From an old Indo-European root associated with straightness and directing.
Note
Guiding a line straight and governing people developed within the same historical family.
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noun
rector
REK-ter/ˈrektər/
The head of a church or educational institution.
Etymology
A rector is literally someone who rules or guides. The title narrowed from rulers generally to heads of religious communities and colleges, including clergy in charge of parishes; its exact religious scope varies.