Early 17th century; earliest use found in Philemon Holland (1552–1637), translator. From classical Latin orthopnoicus, or its etymon ancient Greek connected with orthopnoea, in Hellenistic Greek also a person suffering from orthopnoea from ὀρθόπνοια orthopnoea + -ικός ὀρθοπνοικός. Compare French orthopnoïque affected with orthopnoea, relating to orthopnoea.