'gait' originates from Old Norse, specifically the word 'gata', where 'gata' meant 'way' or 'path'.

'gait' changed from the Old Norse word 'gata' into Middle English forms such as 'gayt' or 'gate' and eventually became the modern English word 'gait'.

Initially, it meant 'path' or 'way', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'manner of walking or moving'.