Word Origins - 'Lobby'

lobby

1553, from M.L. laubia, lobia "covered walk in a monastery," from a Gmc. source (cf. O.H.G. louba "hall, roof;" see lodge (n.)). Meaning "large entrance hall in a public building" is from 1640.

Political sense of "those who seek to influence legislation" is attested 1808 in Amer.Eng., in ref. to the custom of influence-seekers gathering in large entrance-halls outside legislative chambers. The verb in this sense is first attested 1850.

Lobbyist is first attested 1863.