'emboss' originates from Old French/Middle French, specifically the word 'embosser' (from en- + 'bosse'), where 'en-' meant 'in/on' or formed a causative and 'bosse' meant 'hump' or 'lump'.

'emboss' changed from Middle French 'embosser' (and Late Middle English forms such as 'embossen') and eventually became the modern English word 'emboss' (with past/p.p. 'embossed').

Initially it referred to forming a 'hump' or raised area (a bump); over time it evolved into the specialized meaning 'to decorate a surface with a raised design' used in modern English.