'appendage' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'appendere,' where 'ad-' meant 'to' and 'pendere' meant 'hang.'

'appendere' transformed into the French word 'appendage,' and eventually became the modern English word 'appendage' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to hang something,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a subordinate part attached to something.'