[1580–90; up- + gather]This word is first recorded in the period 1580–90. Other words that entered Englishat around the same time include: classical, filibuster, motor, piggyback, stigmaup- is a combining form, used in the formation of compound words indicating upward movementor upper position. Other words that use the affix up- include: upend, upstage, upstairs, upstate, upsweep