An Etymological Dictionary of the German Language/Annotated/Preis

by Friedrich Kluge

Preis, masculine, ‘price, cost, prize, reward,’ from Middle High German prîs (brîs), masculine, ‘praise, splendour, noble deed’; borrowed in the 12th century from Old French prîs (Modern French prix), whence also English price, prize, Dutch prijs. The ultimate source is Latin prĕtium (whence also Italian prezzo). The expression preisgeben has nothing to do with this word, but is due rather to the equivalent Italian dar presa; Italian presa (equivalent to French prise), ‘seizure, booty catch,’ may be traced back to Latin prœhendere. Compare further preisen.