'tenure' originates from Middle English and Anglo-French (Old French) specifically the word 'tenure', where the Latin root 'tenēre/tenere' meant 'to hold'.

'tenure' changed from Medieval Latin 'tenura' and Old French 'tenure' and eventually became the modern English word 'tenure' via Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'the act or condition of holding' (in a general sense), but over time it evolved to refer specifically to 'the conditions under which land or office is held' and to the modern sense of 'a secure or permanent appointment' (especially in academia).