'accoutrement' originates from French, specifically the word 'accoutrer,' where 'a-' meant 'to' and 'couter' meant 'sew or dress.'

'accoutrer' transformed into the French word 'accoutrement,' and eventually became the modern English word 'accoutrement' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to dress or equip,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'additional items of dress or equipment.'