An Etymological Dictionary of the German Language/Matrose

by Friedrich Kluge

Matrose, m., ‘sailor,’ ModHG. only, from the equiv. Du. matroos; Dan. and Swed. matros. They are based on Fr. matelot (OFr. matenot), ‘sailor,’ which again is derived through a Norman medium from Scand. mötunautr, ‘messmate’ (the crew was divided into companies, who took their meals together).