primate - "high bishop," 12c., from M.L. primas (gen. primatis) "church primate," from L.L. primas "of the first rank, chief, principal," from primus "first" (see prime (adj.)). Meaning "biological order including monkeys and humans" is 1898, from Mod.L. Primates, from pl. of L. primas so called from supposedly being the "highest" order of mammals (originally also including bats).
'Primate' : Definition and Etymology
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