- stoic (n.)
- 1382, "philosopher of the school founded by Zeno," from L. stoicus, from Gk. stoikos "pertaining to a member of or the teachings of the school founded by Zeno (c.334-c.262 B.C.E.), characterized by austere ethical doctrines," lit. "pertaining to a portico," from stoa "porch," specifically Stoa Poikile "the Painted Porch," the great hall in Athens (decorated with frescoes depicting the Battle of Marathon) where Zeno taught (see stoa). Meaning "person who represses feelings or endures patiently" first recorded 1579. The adj. is recorded from 1596 in the "repressing feelings" sense, 1607 in the philosophical sense; earlier stoical (1432 of philosophers, 1571 as "indifferent to pleasure or pain").