The Greek word δράκων is most likely derived from the Greek verb δέρκομαι ( dérkomai) meaning 'I see', the aorist form of which is ἔδρακον ( édrakon). The Greek and Latin term referred to any great serpent, not necessarily mythological. The word dragon entered the English language in the early 13th century from Old French dragon, which, in turn, comes from the Latin: draco (genitive draconis) meaning 'huge serpent, dragon', from Ancient Greek δράκων, drákōn (genitive δράκοντος, drákontos) 'serpent'.
Etymology An early appearance of the Old English word dracan in Beowulf
