'pre-Paschal' originates from Latin and Late Latin elements: the prefix 'pre-' from Latin 'prae' meaning 'before', combined with 'Paschal' from Late Latin 'paschalis', ultimately from Greek 'pascha' and Hebrew 'pesach' meaning 'Passover'.

'Paschal' changed from Late Latin 'paschalis' (from Greek 'pascha') into Old and Middle English forms (via Old French influences) as 'Paschal', and the Latin prefix 'prae' (pre-) was attached in English to form 'pre-Paschal'.

Initially it meant 'of or relating to the Passover (Pesach)'. In Christian usage the sense broadened to include Easter (Pascha), so 'pre-Paschal' now commonly refers to the period before either Passover or Easter.