An Etymological Dictionary of the German Language/Kelle

by Friedrich Kluge

Kelle, f., ‘ladle, scoop, trowel,’ from MidHG. and MidLG. kęlle, f., ‘ladle, trowel,’ OHG. chęlla, f., ‘trowel’; Goth. *kaljô, f., is wanting. Although there are a few points of contact between HG. Kelle and AS. cylle, cille, f., ‘leather bottle or bag, vessel,’ the AS. word is based upon Lat. culleus, ‘leather bag,’ or, as is more probable, a genuine Teut. word has been confused with a borrowed term in AS.