'arraign' originates from Old French (Anglo-Norman) words such as 'areignier' or similar, ultimately entering Middle English; the formation reflects Latin prefix 'ad-' (to, toward) combined with older roots related to calling or summoning.

'arraign' changed from Old French forms (e.g. 'areignier' / Anglo-Norman usage) into Middle English forms (e.g. 'areinen', 'arrainen') and eventually became the modern English verb 'arraign' (with past/p.p. 'arraigned').

Initially it meant 'to call to account' or 'to call before a court'; over time this sense narrowed to the specific legal meaning 'to bring before a court to hear charges and be formally informed of them', which is its primary modern usage.