'alit' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'ālīhtan', where 'ā-' meant 'off' and 'līhtan' meant 'to descend'.

'ālīhtan' transformed into the Middle English word 'alighten', and eventually became the modern English word 'alight'.

Initially, it meant 'to descend or dismount', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to land or settle'.