'alligation' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'alligatio,' where 'ad-' meant 'to' and 'ligare' meant 'to bind.'

'alligatio' transformed into the Old French word 'allegation,' and eventually became the modern English word 'alligation' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to bind or tie together,' but over time it evolved into its current mathematical meaning of 'a rule for mixing substances.'