The word 'sycophant' is a loan word from Greek 'sukophantēs'

'Sycophant' is a word borrowed from Greek 'sukophantēs'. The word entered the English language some time around 1575.

sycophant [noun] [1575]

A servile self-seeking flatterer

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note: From Greek sukophantēs ‘informer’ from sukon ‘fig’ + phainein ‘to show’ perhaps with reference to making the insulting gesture of the ‘fig’ (sticking the thumb between two fingers) to informers.
Etymology: Latin 'sycophanta' slanderer, swindler, from Greek 'sykophantēs' slanderer, from 'sykon' fig + 'phainein' to show

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