'before-Communion' originates from Old English and Latin, specifically the Old English word 'beforan' (for 'before') and the Latin word 'communio', where 'communis' meant 'common' or 'shared'.

'before' comes from Old English 'beforan' (Middle English 'before'), and 'Communion' comes from Late Latin 'communio' (via Old French/Church Latin). The compound concept (preposition + noun) evolved into modern English as a hyphenated phrase 'before-Communion' used in religious contexts.

Initially the components denoted temporal precedence ('before') and 'shared/common participation' ('communio'); over time the combined phrase has come to mean specifically the time or state immediately prior to receiving the sacrament of Communion.