'aboiteaux' originates from French, specifically the word 'aboiteau', where 'a-' meant 'toward' and 'boiteau' referred to a sluice or gate.

'aboiteau' transformed into the English word 'aboiteaux' and has been used in the context of land reclamation.

Initially, it meant 'a sluice gate for drainage,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.