avail

The story

1. Old French · derived froma“to”
2. Middle English · inherited fromavailen“to be of use”
3. English todayavail

From Middle English availen (“to be of use”), from Old French a (“to”) + vail from valoir (“to be worth”), from Latin valere (“to be worthy, strong”).

First known use, by meaning

• from 15th c. Effect in achieving a goal or aim; purpose, use (now usually in negative constructions).
• from 15th c. Proceeds; profits from business transactions.
• 15th–19th c. Benefit; value, profit; advantage toward success.