Английский Этимологический словарь - minute (n.)

- c.1378, from O.Fr. minut, from M.L. minuta "minute, short note," from L. minuta, fem. of minutus "small, minute." M.L. pars minuta prima "first small part" was used for one-sixtieth of a circle, later of an hour (next in order was secunda minuta, which became second (n.)). The pl. minutes "record of proceedings" developed c.1710, perhaps from L. minuta scriptura "rough notes," lit. "small writing."