An Etymological Dictionary of the German Language/Mergel

by Friedrich Kluge

Mergel, m., ‘marl,’ from the equiv. MidHG. męrgel, OHG. męrgil, m.; from MidLat. margila, with the primary form marga, which is recorded by Pliny as a Kelt. word; comp. Bret. marg, W. marl. From the same source the equiv. Rom. words are derived — Fr. marne (from OFr. marle), Ital. and Span. marga.