lightning (n.)youdaoicibaDictYouDict[lightning 词源字典]
late 13c., present participle of lightnen "make bright," extended form of Old English lihting, from leht (see light (n.)). Meaning "cheap, raw whiskey" is attested from 1781, also sometimes "gin." Lightning bug is attested from 1778. Lightning rod from 1790.[lightning etymology, lightning origin, 英语词源]