erect (adj.) Look up erect at Dictionary.com
late 14c., "upright, not bending," from Latin erectus "upright, elevated, lofty; eager, alert, aroused; resolute; arrogant," past participle of erigere "raise or set up," from e- "up, out of" + regere "to direct, keep straight, guide" (see regal).
erect (v.) Look up erect at Dictionary.com
c. 1400, a back-formation from erect (adj.) or else from Latin erectus. Related: Erected; erecting.