'covetous' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'coveitous', where 'coveit' meant 'to desire'.

'coveitous' changed from the Old French word 'coveitous' and eventually became the modern English word 'covetous'.

Initially, it meant 'to desire something eagerly', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'having a strong desire for something belonging to someone else'.