'baize' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'bais' or 'bai', where 'bai' meant 'bay-colored' (a reddish-brown).

'baize' changed from Old French 'bais'/'bai' through Middle English forms such as 'bays' or 'bayze' and eventually became the modern English word 'baize' (and the related form 'baizing').

Initially it meant a cloth dyed 'bay' (reddish-brown); over time it evolved to denote a particular coarse woollen cloth used for table coverings regardless of color.