'bakemeat' originates from English, specifically a compound of the words 'bake' and 'meat', where 'bake' meant 'to cook by dry heat' and 'meat' meant 'food, flesh of animals'.

'bakemeat' developed from Middle English forms such as 'bakemete' (a compound of 'bake' + 'mete'), which themselves trace back to Old English elements 'bǣc'/'bæcian' (to bake) and 'mete' (food); over time the compounded form became the modern spelling 'bakemeat'.

Initially it meant 'meat prepared by baking', and over time it retained that basic sense but became archaic in modern usage; today the phrase is usually replaced by 'baked meat' or more specific dish names.