An Etymological Dictionary of the German Language/Sitte

by Friedrich Kluge

Sitte, f., ‘custom, manner, good-breeding,’ from the equiv. MidHG. site, m. (rarely f.), OHG. situ, m.; a common Teut. word; comp. the equiv. Goth. sidus, OIc. siðr, AS. sidu (wanting in E.), Du. zede, OSax. sidu. It is very probably allied primit. to Gr. ἔθω, gen. ἔθεος (Aryan prim. form sédhos), ‘custom,’ but its connection with Gr. ἔ-μος, ‘true,’ is less likely.