An Etymological Dictionary of the German Language/Alfanzerei

by Friedrich Kluge

Alfanzerei, f., ‘foolery,’ from MidHG. ale-vanz, m., ‘trick, roguery, deceit’; connected with OHG. giana-venzôn, ‘to mock’ (the al- of MidHG. as in albern?), also Firlefanz and Fant.