'smooth-footed' originates from the combination of 'smooth' and 'footed', where 'smooth' means 'having an even and regular surface' and 'footed' refers to the manner of moving or walking.

The term 'smooth-footed' evolved from the Old English 'smōð' meaning 'smooth' and 'fōt' meaning 'foot', eventually forming the modern English compound adjective 'smooth-footed'.

Initially, it meant 'having smooth feet', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'moving gracefully'.