BORROW—1.trans.a. To take (a thing) on pledge or security given for its safe return; b. To take (a thing) on credit, on the understanding of returning it, or giving an equivalent; hence, to obtain or take the temporary use of (a thing recognized as being the property of another, to whom it is returnable)… 2.fig.a.….More usually of immaterial things: as, to adopt (thoughts, expressions, modes of conduct) from another person, or (words, idioms, customs, etc.) from a foreign language or people; to obtain (a temporary favour) by request; to derive (one's authority, etc.) from another, as opposed to holding it by inherent right; to draw (a comparison, inference, suggestion) from some source alien to the subject in hand; to adopt (something) for other than its normal purpose…. Oxford English Dictionary, 2d ed.
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KIM LANE SCHEPPELE (2003) studied this question.