'hauberk' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'hauberc', where the term referred to a mail shirt (the precise internal elements are probably from a Germanic compound related to 'neck' and 'protection').

'hauberk' changed from the Old French word 'hauberc' and entered Middle English, eventually becoming the modern English word 'hauberk'.

Initially, it meant 'a shirt of mail used as armor (protecting neck and torso)', and over time it has largely retained this basic meaning.