'guile' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'guile', where the root meant 'deception'.

'guile' changed from Old French word 'guile' and was used in Middle English alongside the native Old English word 'wīl' (wile), eventually becoming the modern English word 'guile'.

Initially, it meant 'deception' or 'a trick', and over time it evolved into the current meaning of 'sly or cunning intelligence used to deceive'.