'ursine' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'ursus' and the adjective 'ursinus', where 'ursus' meant 'bear' and the suffix '-inus' meant 'of or relating to'.

'ursine' changed from Latin 'ursinus' (Late Latin/Medieval Latin) and was adopted into English keeping the form 'ursine'.

Initially, it meant 'of or relating to bears', and over time it has retained this meaning as 'bear-like' or 'pertaining to bears'.