'alewhap' originates from Middle English, specifically the word 'ale-whap,' where 'ale' referred to a type of beer and 'whap' was an onomatopoeic term for a quick drink or gulp.

'ale-whap' changed from the Middle English term 'ale-whap' and eventually became the modern English word 'alewhap'.

Initially, it meant 'a quick drink of ale,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a type of drink or beverage associated with ale or beer'.