'barbute' originates from Italian, specifically the word 'barbuta', where 'barba' meant 'beard'.

'barbute' changed from the Italian word 'barbuta' (itself from Latin 'barbatus') and was borrowed into English to name this style of helmet.

Initially, it meant 'bearded' (from Latin/Italian roots), but over time it evolved into the current meaning of 'a particular style of medieval helmet'.