An Etymological Dictionary of the German Language/Zaum

by Friedrich Kluge

Zaum, m., ‘bridle, rein,’ from the equiv. MidHG. and OHG. zoum, m.; corresponding to OSax. tôm, Du. toom, OIc. taumr, ‘bridle, rein.’ The meaning makes it probable that the word is derived from the Teut. root tug, tuh, ‘to draw’ (taumo- for *taugmo-, Aryan doukmo-; comp. Traum); hence Zaum is lit. ‘drawing strap.’