'baldrick' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'baudrier' (also attested as 'baudrek'), where it referred to a shoulder-belt.

'baldrick' changed from Middle English 'baldrek', borrowed from Old French 'baudrier', and eventually became the modern English word 'baldrick'.

Initially, it meant 'a belt worn over the shoulder'; over time the word kept this basic sense but narrowed in usage to denote the specific kind of shoulder-belt used to carry weapons or instruments.