An Etymological Dictionary of the German Language/Pracht
Appearance
Pracht, f., ‘state, pomp, magnificence,’ from MidHG. and OHG. praht, braht, m. and f., ‘noise, shouting.’ The evolution in meaning is similar to that of hell; MidHG. brëhen, ‘to light, shine,’ may also have exercised some influence, as well as ModHG. prangen, the abstract of which could only be a form identical with Pracht. OHG. and OSax. braht, ‘noise,’ like the equiv. AS. breahtm, may be traced to a Teut. root ƀrah, ‘to make a noise.’