'argenter' originates from Old French, specifically the verb 'argenter', ultimately from Latin 'argentum', where 'argentum' meant 'silver'.

'argenter' passed into Middle English from Old French 'argenter' (and related forms) and was used to denote either the action of silvering or a person who works with silver; this Middle English usage evolved into the rare modern English form 'argenter'.

Initially it meant 'to do with silver' (to coat or furnish with silver) or 'one who deals in silver'; over time the meanings narrowed but have remained closely tied to the notion of working with or applying silver.