'inequitably-held' originates from the prefix 'in-' meaning 'not,' combined with 'equitable,' which comes from the Latin 'aequitas,' meaning 'equality or fairness.'

'inequitably' evolved from the Old French 'inequitable,' and 'held' from the Old English 'healdan,' eventually forming the modern English term 'inequitably-held.'

Initially, 'inequitably' meant 'not equal or fair,' and 'held' meant 'possessed or controlled,' which has remained consistent in modern usage.