1554, originally an ecclesiastical word meaning "bishop" or "minister who supervises churches within a district" (a loan-translation of Gk.
episkopos "overseer"), from M.L.
superintendentem (nom.
superintendens), from prp. of L.L.
superintendere "oversee," from L.
super "above" (see
super-) +
intendere "turn one's attention, direct" (see
intend). Famously used by 16c. radical Protestants in place of
bishop, which was to them tainted by Papacy.
"[Martinists] studie to pull downe Bishopps, and set vp Superintendents, which is nothing else, but to raze out good Greeke, & enterline bad Latine." [Lyly, "Pappe with an Hatchet," 1589]
The general sense of "a person who has charge of some business" is first recorded 1588. Meaning "janitor, custodian" is from c.1935. Shortened form
super first attested 1857, especially at first of overseers of sheep ranches in Australia.
[soo-per-in-ten-duh
nt, soo-prin-] 