Lot
/lɑt/noun
A small object used in making a random choice, or the portion assigned by chance.
Did you know?In the Bible and the ancient world, lots were literally used for divination and decision-making, so the word still carries the memory of fate being “cast” into motion.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*kl̥-to-
“something cut off or assigned; a share”
Proto-Germanic
PGmc
*hlūdaz
“a lot, share, portion”
Old English
English
hlot
“a lot, portion, or object used in casting lots”
Middle English
English
lot
“a share, portion, or fate decided by chance”
Modern English
English
lot
“a portion, a random choice, or a piece of land”