An Etymological Dictionary of the German Language/Wiebel

by Friedrich Kluge

Wiebel, m., ‘beetle,’ from MidHG. wibel, OHG. wibil, m.; corresponding to OSax. wiƀil, AS. wifel, E. weevil. The literal meaning of this word as a derivative of weben (see also Wespe) is probably ‘weaver’ (because it surrounds itself with a web on changing into a chrysalis state). Comp. Lith. vabalas, ‘beetle.’