Early 17th century; earliest use found in Philemon Holland (1552–1637), translator. From (i) classical Latin Panathenaicus of or relating to the Panathenaea, and its etymon (ii) ancient Greek Παναθηναϊκός from Παναθήναια + -ικός. With use as noun in sense B. 2 compare Hellenistic Greek Παναθηναϊκόν vase awarded as a prize at the Panathenaea, use as noun of neuter singular of Παναθηναϊκός.