'aleger' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'alegre', where 'a-' meant 'to' and 'legre' meant 'light' or 'joyful'.

'alegre' transformed into the Middle English word 'alegre', and eventually became the modern English word 'aleger'.

Initially, it meant 'light-hearted or joyful', and over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'lively or cheerful'.