An Etymological Dictionary of the German Language/Sterz

by Friedrich Kluge

Sterz, m., ‘tail, rump, plough handle,’ from the equiv. MidHG. and OHG. stërz, m.; corresponding to Du. staart, AS. steort, E. start. A Teut. root stert, ‘to project' or ‘to turn ‘(see Stürzen), has been assumed to explain the cognates; others connect it with Gr. στόρθη, ‘prong, projecting point.’