An Etymological Dictionary of the German Language/Messing

by Friedrich Kluge

Messing, n., from the equiv. MidHG. męssinc (gen. -ges), m., ‘brass, latten’; a derivative of Masse, OHG. massa (from Lat. massa?), ‘sow-metal’; AS. mœstling (with a suffix), ‘brass’ (whence E. maslin?), is also derived from the same source; see too OIc. messing, f., ‘brass.’ Contrary to this prevalent opinion, we have to observe that the derivative is more widely diffused than the primit. word, and it is inconceivable that the word was derived independently in the various languages; hence these cognates cannot be associated with Lat. massa unless a derived word can be adduced as the base of the Teut. words.