'bandelet' originates from Middle French, specifically the word 'bandelet', where 'bande' meant 'band' and the suffix '-et' was a diminutive.

'bandelet' changed from Middle French 'bandelet' and entered Middle English in forms such as 'bandlet' or 'bandelet', eventually surviving in modern English as the rare noun 'bandelet'.

Initially it meant 'a small band or strip', and over time this basic meaning has largely remained the same, though the word became rare and more literary or archaic in usage.