'covetousness' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'coveitous,' where 'coveit' meant 'to desire.'

'coveitous' transformed into the Middle English word 'covetous,' and eventually became the modern English word 'covetousness.'

Initially, it meant 'to desire something eagerly,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a strong desire to possess something that belongs to someone else.'