An Etymological Dictionary of the German Language/Kaplan

by Friedrich Kluge

Kaplan, m., ‘chaplain,’ from MidHG. kappellãn,. It is based on MidLat. capellânus, which orig. denoted the priest who had to guard the cloak of St. Martin. — MidLat. capella also signifies the body of priests under a bishop, hence the other meanings of ModHG. Kapelle.