'termagant' originates from Middle English, specifically the word 'Termagaunt,' which was a name for a supposed deity worshipped by Muslims in medieval European literature.

'Termagaunt' was used in medieval plays to depict a violent and overbearing character, eventually evolving into the modern English word 'termagant' to describe a quarrelsome woman.

Initially, it referred to a fictional deity, but over time it evolved into its current meaning of a harsh-tempered woman.