'parch' originates from Middle English, specifically the word 'perchen,' where 'per-' meant 'through' and 'chier' meant 'to dry.'

'perchen' transformed into the modern English word 'parch,' and eventually became 'parched' as its past tense and participle form.

Initially, it meant 'to dry thoroughly,' and over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'extremely dry or thirsty.'