'abecedary' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'abecedarium,' where 'abeced-' referred to the first four letters of the alphabet.

'abecedarium' transformed into the Old French word 'abecedaire,' and eventually became the modern English word 'abecedary' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'related to the alphabet,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a book for teaching the alphabet.'