The term is derived from the Latin word secernere, "to distinguish" or "to set apart," the passive participle (secretum) meaning "having been set apart," with the [[eventual]] connotation of something [[private]] or confidential. A secretarius was a [[person]], therefore, overseeing [[business]] confidentially, usually for a [[powerful]] [[individual]] (a king, pope, etc). | The term is derived from the Latin word secernere, "to distinguish" or "to set apart," the passive participle (secretum) meaning "having been set apart," with the [[eventual]] connotation of something [[private]] or confidential. A secretarius was a [[person]], therefore, overseeing [[business]] confidentially, usually for a [[powerful]] [[individual]] (a king, pope, etc). |