An Etymological Dictionary of the German Language/Esse

by Friedrich Kluge

Esse, f. (the word seems to be unknown to the UpG. dialects), ‘forge,’ from the equiv. MidHG. ęsse, OHG. ęssa, f., ‘chimney, hearth of a worker in metals.’ Like OSwed. œsja, they indicate a Goth. *asjô, which is also assumed by the borrowed term, Finn. ahjo. Whether Esse is allied to OIc. esja, ‘clay,’ and hence means lit. ‘what is made of clay,’ remains doubtful. Its assumed connection with OHG. eit, ‘funeral pile,’ Gr. αἶθος, ‘glow,’ Sans. root idh, ‘to burn,’ is untenable.