'attacher' originates from French, specifically the word 'attacher', where the prefix/root 'ad-' (later a-) meant 'to' and 'tacher' (related to Old French) meant 'to fasten or affix'.

'attacher' changed from Old French 'atachier' (often written 'atachier' or 'atacher') and the verb entered Middle English as 'attach', from which the agent noun 'attacher' (one who attaches) was formed in English and French usage.

Initially, it meant 'to fasten or fix in place'; over time the verb broadened to mean 'to join, connect, or associate', and the agent noun came to mean 'a person or device that fastens or connects'.