Английский Этимологический словарь - second (adj.)

- "after first," c.1300, from O.Fr. second, from L. secundus "following, next in order," from root of sequi "follow" (see sequel). Replaced native other (q.v.) in this sense. The verb in the parliamentary sense is from 1597, from M.Fr. seconder, from L. secundare "to assist, make favorable," from secundus "assisting, favorable, following, second." The verb meaning "to support or represent in a duel, fight, etc." is from 1588; the noun in this sense is from 1613. Second-hand is from 1474; second-rate is from 1669 (see rate); second sight is from 1616. Second fiddle first attested 1809. Seconds "articles below the first quality" first recorded 1600. Second nature is from L. secundum naturam "according to nature," lit. "following nature;" from medieval Aristotolean philosophy, contrasted to phenomena that were super naturam ("above nature," such as God's grace), extra naturam ("outside nature"), supra naturam ("beyond nature," such as miracles), contra naturam "against nature," etc.