'lawfully-gained' originates from the combination of 'lawfully,' meaning 'in accordance with the law,' and 'gained,' meaning 'obtained or acquired.'

The term 'lawfully-gained' combines the Old English 'lagu' (law) and the Middle English 'gainen' (to gain), forming a modern English adjective.

Initially, it meant 'obtained in a lawful manner,' and this meaning has remained consistent over time.