An Etymological Dictionary of the German Language/Keuschlamm

by Friedrich Kluge

Keuschlamm, ‘chaste tree,’ simply ModHG., formed from MidLat. agnus castus, known in Gr. by the term ἄγνος; this being associated with ἁγνός, ‘pure,’ gave rise to the Lat. agnus castus; agnus, Gr. ἄγνος, being confused with agnes, ‘lamb,’ led to HG. Keuschlamm, one of the strangest products of sciolism (not of popular etymology). The tree is also called Keuschbaum, Du. kuischboom.