'appoint' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'apointer,' where 'a-' meant 'to' and 'pointer' meant 'to point or arrange.'

'apointer' transformed into the Middle English word 'appointen,' and eventually became the modern English word 'appoint.'

Initially, it meant 'to arrange or settle,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to assign a role or position.'