'coving' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'cofa', where 'cofa' meant 'a cave, recess or small chamber'.

'cofa' in Old English developed into Middle English 'cove' (meaning a hollow or recessed place). The modern noun 'cove' and the derived form 'coving' (with the -ing nominal/gerundive/derivational suffix) came into use to describe the architectural concave moulding.

Initially it meant 'a small hollow or bay', but over time it evolved into the architectural sense of 'a concave moulding used at the junction of wall and ceiling'.