An Etymological Dictionary of the German Language/Reihen

by Friedrich Kluge

Reihen (1.), Reigen, m., ‘chain-dance, roundel, dance and song, frolic,’ from MidHG. reie, reige, m., ‘a sort of dance in a long row across the field’; origin obscure. Comp. also E. ray, ‘a sort of dance,’ the etymology of which is equally obscure. Reihen (2.), m., ‘instep,’ from the equiv. MidHG. rîhe, m.; OHG. rîho, m., ‘calf of the leg, hock.’ An older *wrîho may be assumed, since ModHG. Rist seems to be allied.