'archboutefeu' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'archiboutefeu', where 'archi-' meant 'principal' and 'boute-feu' meant 'fire-thrower'.

'archboutefeu' changed from the Old French word 'archiboutefeu' and entered Middle English as 'arch-boutefeu', eventually appearing in modern English as the rare or archaic term 'archboutefeu'.

Initially, it meant 'chief fire-thrower' (a device or operator of fire-projecting engines); over time it evolved into an archaic term referring generally to an early artillery or incendiary siege engine.