haul
UK[hɔːl]US[hɔːl]
v
To pull or drag something with effort or force.
v
To transport goods, especially by truck or ship.
n
An amount of something that has been stolen or is illegal.
n
The distance over which something is transported.
Etymology
The word 'haul' originates from a robust Germanic root, reconstructed as halōną, which carried the essential meaning of fetching or summoning. This concept entered the French language through contact with Germanic tribes, evolving into the Old French verb 'haler', specifically used in maritime contexts to mean pulling on ropes or sails. Adopted into Middle English as 'halen', it retained this strong sense of exertion. Over centuries, its application broadened from the literal pulling of ships and nets to encompass the forceful transportation of cargo over land and, metaphorically, the acquisition of a large quantity of something, whether legitimate goods or illicit gains.
Analysis
This is a simplex word of Germanic origin. The modern English form 'haul' is derived from the Middle English 'halen', meaning to pull or drag. This, in turn, came from Old French 'haler' (to pull, haul), which has probable Germanic origins, related to Old Dutch 'halon' and Old High German 'halôn', meaning to fetch or summon. Its core sense has consistently involved pulling or drawing.
Examples
They used a tractor to haul the fallen tree out of the road.
The company hauls freight across the country.
The police recovered a huge haul of stolen artwork.