'litigant' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'litigantem,' where 'litigare' meant 'to dispute or sue.'

'litigantem' transformed into the Old French word 'litigant,' and eventually became the modern English word 'litigant' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'one who is involved in a legal dispute,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.