'cast' originates from Old Norse, specifically the word 'kasta', where 'kasta' meant 'to throw'.

'cast' changed from Old Norse 'kasta' into Middle English (via Old English and Old Norse contact) as forms like 'casten' and eventually became the modern English word 'cast'. The noun/verb senses developed and extended into metalworking ('to form by pouring') and other figurative uses.

Initially, it meant 'to throw'; over time it also came to mean 'to form (by pouring molten material into a mold)' and extended figuratively to senses like 'to assign a role' or 'to cause to appear' (e.g., light casting).