Auctor is Latin for author or originator. The term is used in Scholasticism for a "renowned scholar", and in alpha taxonomy for the scientist describing a species. The term is widely replaced by author in zoological nomenclature, but is still in use in botany.
Related to the notion of legitimacy on the basis of publication. Originated by the academic musings of Aristotle and the perpetuation of knowledge through literature and study.
Auctor also refers to a person who donates the genetic material used to make a clone.