Oldest Roots:
* "Hlid" in Old Norse: This word meant "cover" or "protection" and referred to a lid on a chest or a shield protecting a warrior. This suggests an early association with the concept of covering something.
* "Hlyd" in Old English: This word also meant "cover," and it's likely related to the Old Norse term.
Evolution of the Term:
* "Lid" as a cover: The term evolved in English to specifically refer to a cover for a container, like a pot lid, box lid, or even a lid on a jar.
* Figurative usage: The term extended beyond physical objects. We started using "lid" to refer to things that act as a cover or barrier, like the "lid" on a secret or the "lid" on a boiling pot of emotions.
Modern Usage:
* Common: "Lid" is a very common and informal word for a cover.
* Figurative: It remains a versatile word with various figurative meanings.
No Single Definitive Source:
While the Old Norse and Old English connections are strong, there isn't a single definitive source for the word "lid." It likely emerged from everyday language and gradually became the common term we use today.