An Etymological Dictionary of the German Language/Ammann

by Friedrich Kluge

Ammann, m. (Alem.; the Franc. term is Heimbürge), ‘chief magistrate, bailiff,’ from MidHG. amman, a shortened collateral form of ambetman, ‘magistrate, bailiff'; orig. sense, ‘servant, official,’ afterwards also ‘magistrate.’ See also Amt.