'allot' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'aloter,' where 'a-' meant 'to' and 'loter' meant 'to divide by lots.'

'aloter' transformed into the Middle English word 'alloten,' and eventually became the modern English word 'allot.'

Initially, it meant 'to divide by lots,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to distribute or assign a portion.'