Old English & Proto-Germanic Roots:
* Old English: The word "law" directly descends from the Old English word "lagu," meaning "law, legal custom, right."
* Proto-Germanic: "lagu" itself originates from the Proto-Germanic word "*lagaz," which had similar meanings.
Further Back: Indo-European Connection:
* Indo-European: The Proto-Germanic "*lagaz" is likely connected to the Proto-Indo-European word "*leg-," which meant "to lay, to place, to put."
Meaning Evolution:
* The connection between "laying" and "law" comes from the idea that law established order and structure, like laying down rules or foundations.
* Over time, "law" came to encompass the broader concept of established rules, regulations, and legal systems.
Important Note: While the etymology points to a Germanic origin, the concept of law itself is universal across cultures and societies. Every civilization has developed systems to regulate behavior and maintain order.
Therefore, while the word "law" has a specific linguistic history, the concept of law is deeply ingrained in the human experience.