'scavenge' originates from Middle English, specifically the word 'scavenger,' where 'scavenger' meant 'a person employed to clean streets.'

'scavenger' changed from the Old French word 'escavenger' and eventually became the modern English word 'scavenge.'

Initially, it meant 'a person who cleans streets,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'searching for usable items in waste.'