'jaunt' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'janter,' where 'janter' meant 'to tire a horse by riding it up and down.'

'janter' transformed into the Middle English word 'jaunten,' and eventually became the modern English word 'jaunt.'

Initially, it meant 'to tire a horse by riding it up and down,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a short journey for pleasure.'