'quarrel' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'querelle', where the Latin root 'queri' (through 'querella') meant 'complaint'.

'quarrel' changed from the Middle English and Anglo-French forms 'querel' or 'querelle', which came from Old French 'querelle', and ultimately from Latin 'querella'; it evolved into the modern English word 'quarrel'.

Initially, it meant 'a complaint' or 'cause for complaint'; over time it shifted toward the current primary sense of 'an angry argument' and additionally retained an older specialized sense referring to a crossbow bolt.