'weakling' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'wēacling,' where 'wēac' meant 'weak' and '-ling' was a diminutive suffix.

'wēacling' transformed into the Middle English word 'wekeling,' and eventually became the modern English word 'weakling'.

Initially, it meant 'a small or weak person,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.