An Etymological Dictionary of the German Language/Hede

by Friedrich Kluge

Hede, f., ‘tow,’ ModHG. simply, from LG. heede, formed from Herde by suppressing the r (see Miete); comp. MidDu. herde, ‘flax fibre,’ AS. heorde, f., ‘refuse of flax, tow,’ E. hards (plur.). Are AS. heord and OIc. haddr, ‘hair,’ allied? For Hede (probably Goth. *hazdô, *hazdjó) UpG. has Werg.