What is the origin of word as in late John Doe?

The "as" in "late John Doe" is a preposition that indicates the state or condition of the person being referred to.

It's not a separate word with its own etymology but rather a common grammatical function used to describe someone's deceased status.

Here's a breakdown:

* Late: means "deceased" or "formerly living."

* John Doe: a generic name used for an unidentified male person.

So, "late John Doe" literally translates to "the formerly living John Doe" or "the deceased John Doe."

It's important to note that "late" in this context is an adjective that modifies "John Doe," indicating that he is no longer alive. It's not a verb that describes an action or state.