'feline-like' originates from English, formed by combining 'feline' and the suffix '-like', where 'feline' ultimately comes from Latin 'felinus' (from 'felis') meaning 'cat', and the suffix '-like' derives from Old English 'lic' meaning 'having the form of'.

'feline' entered English via Late Latin 'felinus' (from Latin 'felis' 'cat') and Old French influences; it became Middle/Modern English 'feline', which was later combined with the native English suffix '-like' to create the compound 'feline-like'.

Initially, 'feline' referred specifically to the animal 'cat'; over time, the compound 'feline-like' retained that base sense but broadened to describe catlike appearance, movement, or temperament (metaphorical usage).