'babiche' originates from Canadian French, specifically the word 'babiche', ultimately borrowed from an Algonquian language (likely a variety of Eastern Algonquian) where a form meaning 'thong' or 'sinew cord' was used.

'babiche' changed from Canadian French word 'babiche' (itself from an Algonquian source) and eventually became the modern English word 'babiche'.

Initially, it meant 'a thong or sinew cord used by Indigenous peoples', and over time it has retained much the same meaning as the modern usage: 'a rawhide thong used especially for lacing snowshoes, harnesses, or footwear'.