Английский Этимологический словарь - settle (v.)

- "come to rest," O.E. setlan, from setl "a seat" (see settle (n.)). Sense of "establish a permanent residence" first recorded 1627; that of "decide" is 1621. Settled "firmly fixed" is 1556. Settlement is 1697 as "colony;" 1729 as "payment of an account."