Final answer:
Originally, 'liquor' referred to any liquid, but it later became specifically associated with alcoholic beverages, a term reinforced by the development of distilled spirits like gin, vodka, and whiskey.
Step-by-step explanation:
Historically, the term liquor referred to any liquid, but with the evolution of language and context, especially in relation to alcoholic drinks, it became specifically associated with alcoholic beverages. Early in Europe, before the Middle Ages and the widespread use of distillation, the main alcoholic beverages were beer and wine. With advancements in distillation during the 15th century, spirits such as gin, vodka, and whiskey became prominent. Different forms of alcohol, including ethyl alcohol for beverages and methyl alcohol for solvents, played significant roles in various aspects of life, from medical prescriptions to religious debates about intemperance.