'anabathmoi' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'ἀναβαθμοί', where 'ἀνα-' meant 'up' and 'βαθμός' meant 'step'.

'ἀναβαθμοί' was used in ancient Greek liturgical texts and eventually became the modern English word 'anabathmoi'.

Initially, it meant 'steps or ascents', and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.