'perpetually-held' originates from the Latin word 'perpetuus,' meaning 'continuous' or 'uninterrupted,' combined with the Old English 'healdan,' meaning 'to hold.'

'perpetuus' transformed into the Middle English 'perpetuel,' and 'healdan' evolved into the modern English 'held,' forming the compound 'perpetually-held.'

Initially, it meant 'continuously maintained,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.