'anthologion' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'ἀνθολόγιον' (anthologion), where 'ἄνθος' (anthos) meant 'flower' and the element related to 'λέγειν/legein' meant 'to gather' (hence a 'gathering of flowers' figuratively).

'anthologion' passed into Medieval Latin as 'anthologium' and was used in Late Greek and ecclesiastical contexts; it came into English usage as a learned or specialized term related to 'anthology' and liturgical compilations.

Initially it referred literally to a 'gathering of flowers' and then metaphorically to a 'collection of choice pieces'; over time it came to denote both secular anthologies and specific liturgical compilations.