An Etymological Dictionary of the German Language/Annotated/Reihen

by Friedrich Kluge

Reihen (1.), Reigen, masculine, ‘chain-dance, roundel, dance and song, frolic,’ from Middle High German reie, reige, masculine, ‘a sort of dance in a long row across the field’; origin obscure. Compare also English ray, ‘a sort of dance,’ the etymology of which is equally obscure. Reihen (2.), masculine, ‘instep,’ from the equivalent Middle High German rîhe, masculine; Old High German rîho, masculine, ‘calf of the leg, hock.’ An older *wrîho may be assumed, since Modern High German Rist seems to be allied.