An Etymological Dictionary of the German Language/Knirps

by Friedrich Kluge

Knirps, m., ‘pigmy,’ ModHG. only, a MidG. word, by syncope from *knürbes, knirbes (comp. LG. knirfix, Lower Rhen. knirwes), MidE. närvel, nirvel (AS. *cnyrfel?), ‘pigmy,’ are formed with a different dimin. termination. Allied to Suab. knorp, ‘pigmy’; and to Du. knorf, ‘knot’?.