'pastry' originates from Middle English, specifically the word 'pastrye,' which was derived from the Old French word 'pastisserie,' where 'past-' referred to 'paste or dough.'

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

Initially, it referred to any baked goods made from dough, but over time it evolved to specifically mean sweet baked goods.