Definition of hold to

The phrase "hold to" originated in Old English, around the 10th century. Its original meaning was similar to the modern English "keep to" and meant "to follow closely" or "to adhere strictly." The Old English term was "hæltan," which came from the Old Norse "hœltan," meaning "to keep, preserve." The verb "hæltan" was used in conjunction with a preposition to indicate the direction in which something should be kept or followed. In Middle English, starting in the 12th century, the phrase "holde to" became more commonly used, possibly due to the influence of Old French, which had a similar term, "tenir à." Over time, the meaning of "hold to" evolved to include a sense of persistence or perseverance, as well as adherence to a concept, idea, or belief. Today, it is commonly used in the phrase "hold to a principle," meaning "to adhere firmly to a particular belief or value." In summary, the origin of the phrase "hold to" can be traced back to Old English, where it meant "to follow closely" or "to adhere strictly," and has since undergone evolution in meaning through Middle English and French influences.