'servant' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'servant', from the verb 'servir' meaning 'to serve', ultimately from Latin 'servīre' meaning 'to serve'.

'servant' came into Middle English from Old French 'servant' (present participle of 'servir') and developed into the modern English word 'servant'.

Initially related to 'one who serves' broadly (including bondsmen or slaves from Latin 'servus'), but over time it narrowed to mean someone employed to perform duties (especially domestic service) and other forms of service.