abroad

The story

1. Middle English · inherited fromabrood“broadly widely scattered”
2. English todayabroad

First attested in mid 13th century. From Middle English abrood (“broadly widely scattered”), from a- (“on, in”) + brood (“broad”). Equivalent to a- + broad.

First known use, by meaning

• from 1350–1470 Beyond the bounds of a country; in foreign countries.
• from 1150–1350 At large; widely; broadly; over a wide space.
• from 1150–1350) Without a certain confine; outside the house; away from one's abode.
• from late 15ᵗʰ c. Before the public at large; throughout society or the world; here and there; moving without restriction.
• from early 19ᵗʰ c. Not on target; astray; in error; confused; dazed.
• First attested in the mid 19ᵗʰ century. Countries or lands abroad.