'endow' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'endouer,' where 'en-' meant 'in' and 'douer' meant 'to provide with a dowry.'

'endouer' transformed into the Middle English word 'endowen,' and eventually became the modern English word 'endow.'

Initially, it meant 'to provide with a dowry,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to provide with a quality, ability, or asset.'