'ascape' originates from Middle English, specifically the word 'ascapen', where the prefix 'a-' was a variant form attached to 'scapen' meaning 'to get free' or 'to escape'.

'ascape' changed from Old French 'eschaper' (and Middle English 'ascapen') and eventually the form 'escape' became standard in modern English, while 'ascape' fell into obsolescence.

Initially, it meant 'to get free; flee' in the sense of physical escape, but over time its usage declined and the meaning merged into and was taken over by the modern verb 'escape'.