'acquittal' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'acquiter,' where 'a-' meant 'to' and 'quiter' meant 'free or clear.'

'acquiter' transformed into the Middle English word 'aquiten,' and eventually became the modern English word 'acquittal.'

Initially, it meant 'to free from a charge or accusation,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.