'pant' originates from Middle English, specifically the word 'panten', where the root is imitative (onomatopoeic) representing short, quick breaths.

'pant' changed from Middle English 'panten' and eventually became the modern English word 'pant' (with forms such as 'panting' used as the continuous/gerund form).

Initially it meant 'to breathe quickly' (an imitation of the sound/act), and over time this basic meaning has largely remained, though figurative uses (e.g., to pant for something = to desire intensely) developed.