Late 15th century. From post-classical Latin adinvention-, adinventio invention, discovery, used in the Old Testament of evil deeds (Vetus Latina, Vulgate) from classical Latin adinvent-, past participial stem of adinvenīre to devise or invent in addition (from ad- + invenire) + -iō, probably after ancient Greek ἐπιτηδεύμα forgery, counterfeit (Septuagint).