An Etymological Dictionary of the German Language/Stück

by Friedrich Kluge

Stück, n., ‘piece, article,’ from the equiv. MidHG. stücke, OHG. stucchi, n.; a common Teut. word; comp. OSax. stukki, Du. stuk, AS. styčče, OIc. stykke, n., ‘piece.’ Allied to Stock, and, like the latter word, probably means lit. ‘that which is cut off or hewn to pieces.’ The secondary meaning ‘bark’ of OHG. stucchi is indicated by Ital. stucco, ‘gypsum, stucco,’ whence again ModHG. Stuck, ‘stucco,’ m., Stuckatur, f., ‘stucco-work.’