'properly-used' originates from the combination of 'properly' and 'used', where 'properly' is derived from Latin 'proprius' meaning 'one's own' and 'used' from Old French 'user' meaning 'to employ'.

'properly' evolved from the Latin 'proprius' through Old French 'propre', and 'used' from Old French 'user', eventually forming the modern English term 'properly-used'.

Initially, 'properly' meant 'in a manner that is one's own', and 'used' meant 'to employ'. Over time, 'properly-used' evolved to mean 'used in a correct or appropriate manner'.