An Etymological Dictionary of the German Language/Annotated/Kittel

by Friedrich Kluge

Kittel, masculine, ‘smock-frock,’ from Middle High German kitel, kittel, masculine, ‘smock-frock, shirt, chemise.’ Anglo-Saxon cyrtel, English kirtle, Old Icelandic kyrtell, on account of the medial r and the abnormal dental correspondence, cannot be compared (they are allied to kurz). Its connection with χιτών is impossible. The origin of the High German word has not been explained. The strong suspicion that it has been borrowed cannot be proved.