- apparition
- 1520s, from Anglo-Fr. aparicion, from O.Fr. apparition, used in reference to the Epiphany (revealing of Christ child to the Wise Men), from L.L. apparitionem (nom. apparitio) "an appearance," also "attendants," in classical Latin "service, servants," from pp. stem of apparere "appear" (see appear). Meaning "ghost" first recorded c.1600.