'arcading' ultimately originates from Latin, specifically from 'arcus' meaning 'bow' or 'arch', via Romance languages (Italian 'arcata' and French 'arcade').

'arcus' in Latin gave rise to Italian 'arcata' and French 'arcade'; these terms entered Middle English/early modern usage as 'arcade' and later produced the noun/gerund form 'arcading' meaning 'the formation or arrangement of arches'.

Originally associated with the idea of a 'bow' or 'arched structure' in Latin, the term evolved to refer specifically to constructed rows of arches or covered passages (an 'arcade'); this architectural sense has been retained into modern use.