'appanage' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'apanage', which in turn comes from Medieval Latin 'appanaticum' where Latin elements 'ad-' meant 'to/toward' and 'panis' meant 'bread' (originally indicating a provision or allowance).

'appanage' changed from the Medieval Latin word 'appanaticum' into Old French 'apanage', and eventually entered Middle English as 'appanage' to become the modern English word 'appanage'.

Initially, it meant 'a provision or allowance (literally related to food/bread)', but over time it evolved into its current meanings of 'a grant (especially to royal family members)' and 'a prerogative or special right'.