'hirsute' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'hirsutus,' where 'hirsutus' meant 'hairy or shaggy.'

'hirsutus' transformed into the French word 'hirsute,' and eventually became the modern English word 'hirsute' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'hairy or shaggy,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.