'amphiscian' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'amphiskios,' where 'amphi-' meant 'on both sides' and 'skia' meant 'shadow.'

'amphiskios' transformed into the Latin word 'amphiscianus,' and eventually became the modern English word 'amphiscian.'

Initially, it meant 'people living in regions where shadows fall in opposite directions,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.