c.1600, "a civil magistrate, especially in Geneva," from French syndic "chief representative" (14c.), from Late Latin syndicus "representative of a group or town," from Greek syndikos "public advocate," as an adjective, "belonging jointly to," from syn- "together" (see syn-) + dike "judgment, justice, usage, custom" (cognate with Latin dicere "to show, tell;" see diction). Meaning "accredited representative of a university or other corporation" first found c.1600. Related: Syndical.