'abatage' originates from French, specifically the word 'abattre,' where 'ab-' meant 'down' and 'battre' meant 'to beat or strike.'

'abattre' transformed into the French word 'abatage,' and eventually became the modern English word 'abatage' through borrowing.

Initially, it meant 'to beat down or strike down,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'felling trees or cutting down timber.'