Stockholder

The term normally used in modern business lingo today traces its origins back to the Stone Age!

Tally sticks have been in use since Palaeolithic times.

The concept of the tally stick was to split a stick in two. The borrower would hold on to one stick while the lender held on to another. These sticks were often used as currency in ancient times. When the lender had the means to repay, the sticks would be matched and burnt.

Source: Wikipedia

In the 13th century, Marco Polo visited China and brought to Europe the knowledge of using wooden tally sticks. At the time, the Chinese used bamboo tally sticks.

In England, Hazelwood was used as tally sticks. The sticks were notched to indicate the amount owed. When broken, the part with the notch, called the stock, was given to the lender and the other part, called the stub, was given to the creditor. Even tax collectors used this to assess taxes.

The term Stockholder arises from this practice. The stockholders were holding credit that was owed them. The ticket stub also derives its origin from here.