Middle English word auncyen comes from Proto-Indo-European *h₂ént-, Latin -anus, and later Proto-Indo-European *h₂énti (Before. In front. Near. Opposite.)
| Dictionary entry | Language | Definition |
|---|---|---|
| *h₂ént- | Proto-Indo-European (ine-pro) | |
| -anus | Latin (lat) | Of or pertaining to; -ian; usually indicates a relationship of position, possession, or origin. |
| *h₂énti | Proto-Indo-European (ine-pro) | Before. In front. Near. Opposite. |
| *anti | Proto-Italic (itc-pro) | |
| antea | Latin (lat) | Before, formerly, previously. |
| *anteanus | Latin (lat) | (Vulgar Latin) old, ancient. |
| ancien | Old French (fro) | Old; ancient. |
| auncyen | Middle English (enm) |