'baldaquin' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'baldaquin', where it referred to a rich cloth (used as a canopy) originally associated with Baghdad.

'baldaquin' changed from Medieval Latin 'baldachinum' and Old French 'baldaquin', influenced by Italian 'baldacchino' (from 'Baldacco', a medieval form of 'Baghdad'), and eventually became the modern English word 'baldaquin'.

Initially, it meant 'a rich silk or brocaded cloth (from Baghdad)', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a ceremonial canopy over an altar, throne, or bed'.