'tradition-bound' originates from the combination of 'tradition' and 'bound,' where 'tradition' refers to customs or beliefs passed down through generations, and 'bound' implies being tied or restricted by something.

'tradition' comes from the Latin word 'traditio,' meaning 'handing over, delivery,' and 'bound' from the Old English 'bindan,' meaning 'to tie or fasten.'

Initially, 'tradition-bound' meant being tied to customs, and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.