'crosspiece' originates from Middle English, combining 'cross' and 'piece', where 'cross' meant 'to intersect' and 'piece' referred to a 'part or section'.

'crosspiece' evolved from the Middle English term 'crospece', eventually becoming the modern English word 'crosspiece'.

Initially, it meant 'a piece that crosses another', and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.