'baldoquin' originates from French, specifically the word 'baldaquin', which in turn comes from Italian 'baldacchino' (also spelled 'baldacchino' or 'baldachin'), ultimately referring to a high-quality cloth.

'baldoquin' changed from the Italian 'baldacchino' (and Medieval Latin 'Baldachinum') through Old French 'baldaquin' and entered English in variant forms such as 'baldachin' and 'baldaquin', eventually appearing as 'baldoquin' in some English usages.

Initially, it referred specifically to a luxurious cloth (often from or associated with Baghdad) used for coverings; over time it evolved to mean the canopy or ornamental covering itself used over altars, thrones, or beds.