'footless' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'fōt,' where 'fōt' meant 'foot' and the suffix '-less' indicates 'without.'

'fōt' transformed into the Middle English word 'fot,' and eventually became the modern English word 'foot,' with 'footless' forming by adding the suffix '-less.'

Initially, it meant 'without feet,' but over time it evolved to also mean 'lacking a firm foundation or basis.'