'tradesman' originates from Middle English, specifically the word 'tradesman,' where 'trade' meant 'path or course' and 'man' referred to a person engaged in a particular activity.

'tradesman' changed from the Middle English word 'tradesman' and has largely retained its form and meaning in modern English.

Initially, it meant 'a person engaged in a particular trade or craft,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.