An Etymological Dictionary of the German Language/Föhn

by Friedrich Kluge

Föhn, m., a Swiss word, ‘humid and tempestuous south wind’; the corresponding term in MidHG. is wanting, though OHG. fônna, f. (fônno, m.), ‘rainy wind, whirlwind,’ is recorded; from Lat. favonius (the intermediate form is faunio-), whence also Ital. favonio, Rhæto-Rom. favuogn.