Late Middle English (in an earlier sense). Originally from either classical Latin perambulāre perambulate or post-classical Latin perambulatorium perambulatory, with the ending probably altered after amble. In later use directly from peramble.

Late 15th century (in an earlier sense). From classical Latin perambulāre perambulate, with the ending probably altered after amble. Compare Middle French parambuler, perambuler.