An Etymological Dictionary of the German Language/Grand

by Friedrich Kluge

Grand, m., ‘gravel,’ first occurs in ModHG. from LG.; just as Mulm (which see) is allied to mahlen, so Grand is probably connected with an OTeut. root meaning ‘to grind’; comp. AS. grindan, E. to grind (from pre-Teut. root ghrendh, whence also Lat. frendo, ‘to gnash’).