Origin and history of sport

c. 1400, sporten, "take pleasure, enjoy or amuse oneself," from Old French desporter, deporter "to divert, amuse, please, play; to seek amusement," etymologically "carry away" (the mind from serious matters), from des- "away" (see dis-) + porter "to carry," from Latin portare "to carry" (from PIE root *per- (2) "to lead, pass over"). Compare disport (v.), which is the older form.

The restricted sense of "amuse oneself by active exercise in open air or taking part in some game" is from late 15c. The meaning "display, show off, exhibit" is by 1712; specifically as "to wear" by 1778. Related: Sported; sporting.

early 15c., sporte, "pleasant pastime, activity that brings amusement; joking, foolery;" a shortening of disport "activity that offers amusement or relaxation; entertainment, fun" (c. 1300), also "a pastime or game; flirtation," also pleasure taken in such activity (late 14c.); from Anglo-French disport, Old French desport, deport "pleasure, enjoyment, delight; solace, consolation; favor, privilege," which is related to desporter, deporter "to divert, amuse, please, play" (see sport (v.)), also compare disport (n.).

Older sense are preserved in phrases such as in sport "in jest, by way of diversion" (mid-15c.). The meaning "game involving physical exercise" is recorded by 1520s. The sport of kings (1660s) originally was war-making. Other, lost senses of Middle English disport were "consolation, solace; a source of comfort." In 16c.-17c. it could mean "sexual intercourse, love-making."

In reference to persons, sport is by 1690s in a now obsolete meaning "subject of mirth or derision, laughing-stock." The sense of "man who lives by gambling and betting on races" is by 1861; the meaning "good fellow; lively, sociable person" is attested from 1881 (as in be a sport, by 1913), perhaps suggesting sportsmanlike conduct. (Old) sport as a modern familiar form of address to a man is by 1905 in American English colloquial.