Английский Этимологический словарь - present (n.)

- 12c., from O.Fr. present, in phrases en present "(to offer) in the presence of," mettre en present "place before, give," from L.L. inpraesent "face to face," from L. in re prжsenti "in the situation in question," from prжsens "being there" (see present (adj.)), on the notion of "bringing something into someone's presence." Presentable "suitable in appearance" is first attested 1827.