'pastry' originates from Middle English, specifically the word 'pastrye,' which came from Old French 'pastisserie,' where 'past-' meant 'paste or dough.'

'pastisserie' transformed into the Middle English word 'pastrye,' and eventually became the modern English word 'pastry.'

Initially, it meant 'a dough or paste,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a baked good made from dough.'