'anagogical' originates from Medieval Latin, specifically the word 'anagogicus,' which comes from Greek 'anagōgikos,' where 'ana-' meant 'up' and 'agein' meant 'to lead.'

'anagogicus' in Medieval Latin was adopted into English as 'anagogical' in the late Middle Ages, retaining its reference to spiritual or mystical interpretation.

Initially, it meant 'pertaining to spiritual uplift or mystical interpretation,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.