'scavenger' originates from Middle English, specifically the word 'scavengere', which came via Old French forms such as 'escaveneor' meaning 'one who clears out or removes filth'.

'scavenger' changed from Middle English 'scavengere' (from Old French 'escaveneor' or similar forms) and eventually became the modern English word 'scavenger'.

Initially, it meant 'a person who removes filth or clears out refuse (for example, a cleaner of cesspits)'; over time it broadened and shifted to include 'animals that eat carrion', 'people who search through refuse for usable items', and 'agents that remove unwanted substances'.