'pomp' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'pompe', ultimately from Greek 'pompē' where the root meant 'procession' or 'public display'.

'pomp' changed from Greek 'pompē' to Latin 'pompa', then to Old French 'pompe' and Middle English 'pompe', and eventually became the modern English word 'pomp'.

Initially, it meant 'procession' or 'ceremonial march', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'splendid or ostentatious display'.