Early 17th century; earliest use found in Philemon Holland (1552–1637), translator. From Middle French, French pancratiaste and its etymon classical Latin pancratiastēs person who competes in a pancratium from ancient Greek παγκρατιαστής from παγκρατιάζειν to practise the pancratium (from παγκράτιον) + -της, suffix forming agent nouns.