Word Origin & History
impeachc.1380, "to impede, hinder, prevent," from Anglo-Fr. empecher, from O.Fr. empeechier "hinder" (12c.), from L.L. impedicare "to fetter, catch, entangle," from L. in- "in" + pedica "shackle," from pes (gen. pedis) "foot." Sense of "accuse a public officer of misconduct" first recorded 1568, via confusion
with L. impetere "attack, accuse."