'dealt' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'dǣlan,' where 'dǣl' meant 'part or share.'

'dǣlan' transformed into the Middle English word 'delen,' and eventually became the modern English word 'deal' and its past form 'dealt.'

Initially, it meant 'to divide or distribute,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to manage or handle.'