'legally-kept' originates from the English word 'legal,' which comes from the Latin word 'legalis,' meaning 'pertaining to the law,' and 'kept,' from Old English 'cepan,' meaning 'to seize or hold.'

'legalis' transformed into the Old French word 'legal,' and eventually became the modern English word 'legal.' 'Cepan' evolved into 'keep' in Middle English, forming the compound 'legally-kept.'

Initially, 'legalis' meant 'pertaining to the law,' and 'cepan' meant 'to seize or hold.' Over time, 'legally-kept' evolved to mean 'maintained in accordance with the law.'