An Etymological Dictionary of the German Language/Kumpan

by Friedrich Kluge

Kumpan, m., ‘companion, mate,’ from MidHG. kumpân, kompân, m., ‘comrade, associate’; the latter is derived from OFr. Prov. compaing, ‘companion, partner.’ MidLat. companio, lit. ‘one who shares the same food,’ is based on OTeut. expressions such as Goth. gahlaiba, OHG. gileibo, m., ‘associate, comrade,’ and the equiv. OHG. gimaȥȥo, from maȥ, n., ‘food’; see Laib.