JavaScript Upgrade from 4.0 to 2011

Hi,

We have a line of code which we have to upgrade to crm 2011

crmForm.all.MyCustomPicklist.getAttribute("origValue")  -- This line of code is to be converted to JS 2011

What I am confused about is the way "getAttribute("origValue")" is being used after the field - "MyCustomPicklist"

What does this getAttribute("orgValue") extracting out of "MyCustomPicklist"?

Please help

Regards

Sagar