What's the meaning of "Pāli" and its relevance in regard of the Buddha's Dhamma?

Do you know about the etymology of the Pāḷi word “Pāḷi”, how it breaks up and from what root it is formed etc.? And can you recall any more or less lengthy scholarly or otherwise discussions to which you could kindly refer me to? I know it is a Dravidian loanword, but I remember having came across some papers or books trying to elaborating on it also from a standpoint of Pāḷi philology. It would be very grateful if possible give ways to find out more about the significance of the word and it's meaning. --- In a comment Samana Johann linked to this answer -- [Pāli Etymology Question](https://discourse.suttacentral.net/t/pali-etymology-question/15933/2) -- which suggests (with references) that the etymology of the word is related to its role in preserving the Dhamma ... for example, “dam”, “dike”, “bridge”; or “to recite”; or “protecting”.