'outlying' originates from the Old English word 'ūtlicgan', where 'ūt' meant 'out' and 'licgan' meant 'to lie'.

'ūtlicgan' transformed into the Middle English word 'outliggen', and eventually became the modern English word 'outlying'.

Initially, it meant 'to lie outside', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'situated far from a center'.