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Origin and history of stoic

stoic(n.)

late 14c., "philosopher of the school founded by Zeno" (c. 334-c. 262 B.C.E.), from Latin stoicus, from Greek stoikos "pertaining to a member of or the teachings of the school founded by Zeno, characterized by austere ethical doctrines," literally "pertaining to a portico," from stoa "porch," specifically Stoa Poikile "the Painted Porch," the great hall in Athens (decorated with frescoes depicting the Battle of Marathon) where Zeno taught (see Stoa).

Old English had Stoices (plural); Middle English had Stoiciens. The general meaning "person not easily excited, person who represses feelings or endures patiently" is recorded by 1570s. The adjective is recorded from 1590s in the "repressing feelings" sense, c. 1600 in the philosophical sense. Compare stoical.

also from late 14c.

Entries linking to stoic

Stoa(n.)

in Greek architecture, the Great Hall or portico at Athens, c. 1600, from Greek stoa "colonnade, corridor" (from PIE root *sta- "to stand, make or be firm"). A name also given in Athens to several other public buildings. The ancient stoa was "usually a detached portico, often of considerable extent, generally near a public place to afford opportunity for walking or conversation under shelter" [Century Dictionary].

stoical(adj.)

early 15c. stoicalle, "pertaining to the Stoics or their teachings," from stoic + -al (2). Related: Stoically. From 1570s as "indifferent to pleasure or pain."

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