Definition of the word hold with

The phrase "hold with" originates from the Old English term "haldan Wyð," which translates to "to hold in company with." It was primarily used in a literal sense to describe physical holding, keeping something or someone close and securing it from harm. Over time, the term evolved to encompass a broader meaning, representing mental and emotional connections between individuals or groups. By the Middle English period, "hold with" had gained multiple usages, covering concepts such as continuity, agreement, and collaboration. It became a versatile tool for expressing partnerships, alliances, and mutual support, most notably in legal and political contexts. As the English language evolved, the usage of "hold with" evolved too, with variations in form and pronunciation emerging in different dialects and regions. In modern English, "hold with" remains a widely used phrasal verb, primarily in informal contexts, where it signifies sustaining a relationship or association, such as holding with gossipy friends, holding with an old habit, or holding with traditional values. Today, its original meaning as a physical holding connotation has been almost completely obliterated, except for its isolated usage in fields such as law and archaic language.