The word "escalles" is derived from the Old French term "escale", which traces back to the Latin word "scāla", meaning "ladder" or "staircase". Over time, "escale" evolved into "escaille" in Old French, and eventually into "escalles" in Middle French. In English, this term is recognized as "scales", referring to the overlapping plates that cover the skin of certain animals, such as reptiles or fish.