From Latin 'rotulus' (scroll), via French 'rôle' — an actor's part was written on a rolled parchment scroll.
The function assumed by a person in a particular situation; a part played by an actor.
From French 'rôle,' from Old French 'rolle' meaning 'a roll (of parchment),' from Latin 'rotulus' (little wheel, roll of paper). An actor's part was written on a rolled-up scroll — the 'roll' became the 'role.' Key roots: rota (Latin: "wheel