An Etymological Dictionary of the German Language/Annotated/Pracht

by Friedrich Kluge

Pracht, feminine, ‘state, pomp, magnificence,’ from Middle High German and Old High German praht, braht, masculine and feminine, ‘noise, shouting.’ The evolution in meaning is similar to that of hell; Middle High German brëhen, ‘to light, shine,’ may also have exercised some influence, as well as Modern High German prangen, the abstract of which could only be a form identical with Pracht. Old High German and Old Saxon braht, ‘noise,’ like the equivalent Anglo-Saxon breahtm, may be traced to a Teutonic root ƀrah, ‘to make a noise.’