An Etymological Dictionary of the German Language/Annotated/Pilger

by Friedrich Kluge

Pilger, masculine, and in an elevated antiquated style Pilgrim, ‘pilgrim,’ from Middle High German pilgrîn, bilegrîm (Pilger, from Middle High German pilgrî), masculine, Old High German piligrîm, masculine, ‘pilgrim,’ formed from Middle Latin peregrînus. From Old High German is derived English pilgrim. The change of Latin r and n into High German l and m is similar to that in Pflaume; the l in this word is found also in Romance; compare French pélerin, Italian pellegrino, ‘pilgrim’; in Italy, and especially in Rome, the change of meaning; from ‘foreigner’ to ‘pilgrim’ was easily suggested. The word was borrowed by High German in the 9th, and by English in the 12th century.