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An Etymological Dictionary of the German Language/Matrose

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An Etymological Dictionary of the German Language, M (1891)
by Friedrich Kluge, translated by John Francis Davis
Matrose
Friedrich Kluge2512174An Etymological Dictionary of the German Language, M — Matrose1891John Francis Davis

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).