'pitcher-like' originates from English, specifically the compound of 'pitcher' + the suffix '-like', where 'pitcher' meant 'a vessel for pouring' and '-like' meant 'having the characteristics of'.

'pitcher' changed from Middle English 'picher' (meaning 'jug' or 'vessel') and developed into modern English 'pitcher'; the suffix '-like' comes from Old English '-lic' (forming adjectives meaning 'similar to'), and the compound form 'pitcher-like' follows regular English compounding patterns.

Initially it described literal resemblance to a pouring vessel ('having the form of a pitcher'), but over time the usage broadened to include figurative senses (e.g., resembling a baseball pitcher in action).