1588, "to look over," from M.L.
supervisus, pp. of
supervidere "oversee, inspect," from L.
super "over" (see
super-) +
videre "see" (see
vision). Meaning "to oversee and superintend the work or performance of others" is attested from c.1645;
supervisor in this sense of "one who inspects and directs the work of others" is first recorded 1454.