'entail' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'entailer,' where 'en-' meant 'in' and 'tailer' meant 'to cut or shape.'

'entailer' transformed into the Middle English word 'entailen,' and eventually became the modern English word 'entail.'

Initially, it meant 'to carve or cut,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to involve as a necessary part.'