'chairman' originates from the English word 'chair' combined with 'man', where 'chair' meant 'a seat of authority' and 'man' referred to a person.

'chair' changed from the Old French word 'chaiere' and eventually became the modern English word 'chair'.

Initially, it meant 'a person who sits in a chair of authority', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a person who presides over a meeting or organization'.