A person or entity that makes a payment for goods, services, or obligations.
From Old French paier, from Latin pacare 'to pacify, satisfy,' from pax, pac- 'peace.' The concept evolved from settling disputes or debts to restore peace between parties.
The word 'pay' originally meant to pacify or appease someone, reflecting how financial transactions were once primarily about settling conflicts rather than simple commerce. In insurance and healthcare, the distinction between payer and patient creates complex triangular relationships.
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