'trebuchet' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'trebucher,' where 'tre-' meant 'over' and 'bucher' meant 'to throw.'

'trebucher' transformed into the Middle English word 'trebochet,' and eventually became the modern English word 'trebuchet'.

Initially, it meant 'to overthrow or topple,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a siege engine for hurling missiles'.