'disburse' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'desbourser,' where 'des-' meant 'out' and 'bourser' meant 'purse.'

'desbourser' transformed into the Middle English word 'disbursen,' and eventually became the modern English word 'disburse.'

Initially, it meant 'to take money out of a purse,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to pay out money.'