'alcantarine' originates from Spanish, specifically the word 'alcántara,' where 'alcántara' referred to a type of bridge or crossing, metaphorically used for the fabric's interwoven nature.

'alcántara' transformed into the English word 'alcantarine,' maintaining its association with weaving and textiles.

Initially, it referred to a specific type of fabric, and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.