Английский Этимологический словарь - case (2)

- "receptacle," early 14c., from O.N.Fr. casse, O.Fr. chasse, from L. capsa "box," from capere "to take, hold." Meaning "examine, inspect" first recorded 1915. Staircase is from 1663. Artillery sense is from 1667, from case-shot "small projectiles put in cases" (1625). Reference in the printing trade (first recorded 1588) to the two trays where compositors keep their types in separate compartments for easy access led to upper case for capitals and lower case for small letters.