An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

Of, pertaining to, or located on or toward the west when somebody or something is facing north. Opposite of → right.

Etymology (EN): M.E. left, lift, luft, O.E. left, lyft- “weak, idle,” cf. Ger. link, Du. linker “left,” from O.H.G. slinc, M.Du. slink “left,” Swed. linka “limp,” slinka “dangle.”

Etymology (PE): Cap “left,” from unknown origin.