'examiner' originates from Old French 'examiner', ultimately from Latin 'examinare' (from 'examen'), where 'examen' meant 'a weighing, trial, or test.'

'examiner' entered English via Old French/Norman French as 'examiner' / 'examiner' and developed into the Middle English form before becoming the modern English 'examiner'.

Initially related to the idea of testing or weighing ('a trial' or assessment), it evolved to refer more specifically to a person who conducts tests or inspections — i.e., an official who examines.