'panegyric' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'panēgyrikos,' where 'pan-' meant 'all' and 'agyris' meant 'assembly.'

'panēgyrikos' transformed into the Latin word 'panegyricus,' and eventually became the modern English word 'panegyric.'

Initially, it meant 'a speech given at a public assembly,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a speech or text in praise of someone or something.'