An Etymological Dictionary of the German Language/Wanst

by Friedrich Kluge

Wanst, m., ‘paunch, belly,’ from the equiv. MidHG. wanst (węnst), OHG. wanast (węnist), m. A specifically HG. word, which, however, like most of the names for parts of the body (comp. Fuß, Herz, and Niere), is genuine Aryan. It is probably connected with Lat. venter, ‘belly,’ but more nearly with Sans. vastí, ‘bladder,’ and vanišṭhú, ‘entrails.’