'preordain' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'praeordinare,' where 'prae-' meant 'before' and 'ordinare' meant 'to arrange or order.'

'praeordinare' transformed into the Old French word 'preordener,' and eventually became the modern English word 'preordain' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to arrange or order beforehand,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.