An Etymological Dictionary of the German Language/Laute

by Friedrich Kluge

Laute, f., ‘lute,’ from the equiv. late MidHG. lûte, f., which is derived from Fr. luth; comp. OFr. leút, Ital. liúto, the origin of which from Arab. al'ûd, ‘musical instrument,’ is accepted; hence the connection between Laute and Laut or Lied must be rejected.