'lecher' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'lecheor', where 'lecher' meant 'to lick or to live in debauchery'.

'lecheor' transformed into the Middle English word 'lecher', and eventually became the modern English word 'lecher'.

Initially, it meant 'to lick or to live in debauchery', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a man who shows an excessive or disgusting interest in sexual activity'.