'lower' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'hlēowra', where 'hlēow' meant 'shelter' or 'protection'.

'hlēowra' transformed into the Middle English word 'louren', and eventually became the modern English word 'lower'.

Initially, it meant 'to shelter or protect', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to move something to a position that is less high'.