Mid 19th century: from French philatélie, from philo- 'loving' + Greek ateleia 'exemption from payment' (from a- 'not' + telos 'toll, tax'), used to mean a franking mark or postage stamp exempting the recipient from payment.

• This is one of the few words whose origin can be pinned down precisely. A Monsieur Herpin, a keen stamp collector, proposed the French word philatélie in the 15 November 1864, issue of Le Collectionneur de Timbres-poste (‘The Stamp Collector’). He formed it from Greek philo- ‘loving’ and ateleia ‘exemption from payment’, as a stamp shows that the price for delivery has already been paid. British stamp collectors quickly anglicized the French word to philately, which is recorded in an enthusiasts' magazine in December 1865. M. Herpin's use of philo- followed a well-established tradition in word formation, found in words such as philanthropy (early 17th century) from philo- and anthropos ‘human being’ (also found in anthropology (late 16th century), the study of mankind); philosopher (Middle English) combined with sophos ‘wisdom’ (see further at sophisticated), and anglophile (mid 19th century).