Cider

The word cider has its origins in Hebrew shekhar, a word generally translated as any strong drink or intoxicating beverage that is distilled rather than fermented. Shekhar is related to Greek sikera, Latin sicera, and Arabic sakar, words also meaning any strong drink.
 
The English word cider (strong liquor, strong drink) appears in the 13th century from Old French cidre and Latin sicera.
 
During the English medieval period, the word cider was a generic term referring to any liquor or strong drink made from the juice of fruits. Similarly, during this period the word, the word apple was also a generic term referring to any type of fruit. In brief, during this period, the term ‘apple cider’ would have meant any fruit-based strong drink.
 
Only after the 17th century did the word apple begin to mean the specific fruit now known as an apple. And, not until the 19th century did the word cider refer specifically to a fermented fruit drink made from the fruits now called apples.
 
What is the difference between hard cider and sweet cider? Hard cider is fermented and alcoholic. Sweet cider is simply the juice of apples.
 
What is the difference between apple cider and apple juice? Apple cider is fresh, unfiltered, and often unpasteurized. Apple juice is filtered and pasteurized.
 
Cheers!
 
Reference: Online Etymological Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com/
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