Английский Этимологический словарь - load (n.)

- O.E. lad "way, course, carrying," from P.Gmc. *laido; related to O.E. lжdan "to guide" (see lead (v.)). Old meaning of "guide" is preserved in lodestone (see lode); sense shifted 13c. to supplant lade. The verb is from 1495. Slang use loaded "drunk" is attested from 1886.