'presage' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'praesagium,' where 'prae-' meant 'before' and 'sagire' meant 'to perceive keenly.'

'praesagium' transformed into the Old French word 'presage,' and eventually became the modern English word 'presage' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'a forewarning or prediction,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.