Mid 17th century; earliest use found in Barten Holyday (1593–1661), Church of England clergyman and poet. From post-classical Latin programma proclamation, edict (3rd cent.), (plural) observations, preface, introduction, (plural) prolegomena from ancient Greek πρόγραμμα order of the day, agenda, in Hellenistic Greek also public written notice, proclamation, edict from προ- + γράμμα letter, after προγράϕειν to write publicly.