An Etymological Dictionary of the German Language/Rotte

by Friedrich Kluge

Rotte, f., from the equiv. MidHG. rotte, rote, f., ‘troop, detachment’; borrowed in the MidHG. period from OFr. rote, ‘division of an army, troop,’ whence also E. rout (MidE. route), Du. rot. The OFr. term is derived from MidLat. rutta, rupta; comp. Reuter.