Late 16th century; earliest use found in Anthony Munday (d. 1633), playwright and translator. From classical Latin Pȳthagoricus of or relating to Pythagoras or his philosophy, (noun) follower of Pythagoras from ancient Greek Πυθαγορικός of or relating to Pythagoras or his philosophy, in Hellenistic Greek also (noun) follower of Pythagoras from Πυθαγόρας, the name of Pythagoras + -ικός. Compare French pythagorique, noun, adjective.