'baccalaureate' originates from Medieval Latin, specifically the word 'baccalaureatus', where 'bacca' meant 'berry' and 'laureatus' meant 'crowned with laurel'.

'baccalaureatus' transformed into the French word 'baccalauréat', and eventually became the modern English word 'baccalaureate'.

Initially, it meant 'crowned with laurel', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a degree awarded by a college or university'.