An Etymological Dictionary of the German Language/Beil

by Friedrich Kluge

Beil (Bav. Beichl), n., ‘hatchet,’ from the equiv. MidHG. bîl, bîhel, OHG. bîhal, bîal, n. (comp. the similar stages in the derivation of Feile from fîhala); comp. MidLG. bîl, ‘axe.’ On account of OIc. bílda, ‘axe,’ OHG. bîhal must probably be trace to bîþl, bîtl (for hl from þl comp. Gemahl). Hence there may be a connection with the cognates from bhĭ̄d discussed under beißen; as to the meaning, comp. especially Lat. findo, ‘I split’ (OIr. biáil, ‘axe,’ is primit. akin). On the other hand, it is, of course, not impossible that OHG. bîhal may be connected with Bicke.