An Etymological Dictionary of the German Language/Tuch

by Friedrich Kluge

Tuch, n., ‘cloth, stuff; kerchief,’ from the equiv. MidHG. tuoch, OHG. tuoh (hh), m. and n.; comp. OLG. dôk, Du. doek, ‘cloth.’ To these is also allied OIc. dúkr, ‘cloth,’ whence E. duck (canvas). On account of the OIc. signification ‘table-cloth,’ Tuch has been compared with Goth. gadauka, ‘messmate.’ The early history of the West Teut. dôko-, ‘cloth’ (from pre-Teut. dhâgo-), is obscure.