'baize' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'baise' (from Medieval Latin 'baisa'), where 'baisa' meant 'coarse woollen cloth'.

'baise' (Old French) and Medieval Latin 'baisa' changed into Middle English forms such as 'bais' or 'bayes' and eventually became the modern English word 'baize'.

Initially, it meant 'coarse woollen cloth'; over time the meaning narrowed to refer especially to the cloth used for covering gaming and billiard tables.