1590s, "compatriot," from Middle French patriote (15c.) and directly from Late Latin patriota "fellow-countryman."
Ironically, in the mid-18th century patriot also meant a “factious disturber of the government”
Ironically, in the mid-18th century patriot also meant a “factious disturber of the government”
Our founding fathers were "patriots"
by Journalistic Revolution March 11, 2017