c.1145, from O.Dan. bož "temporary dwelling," from E. Norse boa "dwell," from P.Gmc. *botho (cf. Ger. Bude, M.Du. boode), from base *bhu- "to dwell" (cf. Lith. butas "house," O.Ir both "hut"), from PIE base *bheue- "to be, exist, grow" (see be). Cf. also (see bound (adj.2)).
