- attendance
- late 14c., from O.Fr. atendance "attention, wait, hope, expectation," from atendant, prp. of atendre (see attend). Meaning "action of waiting on someone" dates from late 14c. (to dance attendance on someone is from 1560s); that of "action of being present, presenting oneself" (originally with intent of taking a part) is from mid-15c. Attendee "one who attends" (something) is recorded from 1961.