'arpent' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'arpent', which comes from a Germanic source meaning 'to measure (with a rope)'.

'arpent' changed from Old French 'arpent' (itself from a Germanic/Vulgar Latin context referring to a measuring rope or length) and was borrowed into English with its specialized surveying senses.

Initially, it referred to a length of a measuring rope or the act of measuring land; over time it became a fixed term for units of length and area used in France and French colonies.