Sponsor

google

ref

mid 17th century (as a noun): from Latin, from spondere ‘promise solemnly’. The verb dates from the late 19th century.

wiktionary

ref

From Latin sponsor(“a surety", in Late Latin "a sponsor in baptism”), from sponsus, past participle of spondeō

etymonline

ref

sponsor (n.)

1650s, from Late Latin sponsor "sponsor in baptism," in Latin "a surety, guarantee, bondsman," from sponsus, past participle of spondere "give assurance, promise solemnly," from Proto-Italic *spondejo- "to pledge," literally "to libate many times," from PIE *spondeio- "to libate" (source also of Hittite ishpanti- "to bring a fluid sacrifice, pour;" Greek spendein "make a drink offering," spondē "libation, offering of wine;" compare spondee). Sense of "person who pays for a radio (or, after 1947, TV) program" is first recorded 1931.

sponsor (v.)

1882, "to favor or support," from sponsor (n.). Commercial broadcasting sense is from 1931. Related: Sponsored; sponsoring.