'amphibalus' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'amphibalus', where 'amphi-' meant 'around' and 'balus' meant 'cloak'.

'amphibalus' changed from the Latin word 'amphibalus' and has remained largely unchanged in modern English usage.

Initially, it meant 'a cloak worn by priests', and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.