An Etymological Dictionary of the German Language/Kunkel

by Friedrich Kluge

Kunkel, f., ‘distaff,’ from the equiv. MidHG. kunkel, f., OHG. chunchala, f.; a Suab., Alem., and Rhen. word, for which Rocken occurs in other dials. (Bav. and also MidG.). It is wanting in the remaining OTeut. dials., and its diffusion supports the assumption that it has been borrowed from Rom., especially since the earlier OHG. form chonachla closely resembles the equiv. Rom. words in sound; MidLat. conucla (for colucula?, dimin. of colus, ‘distaff’?), equiv. to Ital. conocchia, Fr. quenouille, ‘distaff,’ whence also the equiv. OIr. cuicel. Others refer the word to the cognates discussed under Kaufer, with the prim. meaning ‘to spin.’