An Etymological Dictionary of the German Language/Annotated/Schenkel
Schenkel, masculine, ‘thigh, shank,’ from the equivalent Middle High German schęnkel, masculine; compare Dutch schenkel; unknown to Old High German as well as to the other Old Teutonic dialects. A diminutive of Anglo-Saxon sčę́onca (see schenken), English shank, which is further connected with Modern High German Schinken; compare also Dutch schonk, ‘bones in meat,’ Swedish skånk, Danish skank.