'barmcloth' originates from Old English, specifically the words 'beorma' and 'clāþ', where 'beorma' meant 'yeast, foam' and 'clāþ' meant 'cloth'.

'barmcloth' changed from the Middle English compound 'barm-cloth' and eventually became the modern English word 'barmcloth', though its use has become rare or obsolete.

Initially, it meant 'a cloth used in brewing to strain or cover barm (yeast/foam)', but over time it fell out of common usage and is now considered archaic.