Английский Этимологический словарь - field (n.)

- O.E. feld "field," probably related to O.E. folde "earth, land," from P.Gmc. *felthuz "flat land," from PIE *pel(e)-tu-, from *pele- "flat, to spread." The Eng. spelling with -ie- is probably the work of Anglo-Fr. scribes. The verb meaning "to fight" is 16c., from the n. in the sense of "battlefield." Collective use for "all engaged in a sport" (or, in horseracing, all but the favorite) is 18c. The verb meaning "to stop and return the ball" is first recorded 1825, originally in cricket.