An Etymological Dictionary of the German Language/Zobel

by Friedrich Kluge

Zobel, m., ‘sable (Mustella zibellina), sable-fur,’ from the equiv. MidHG. zobel, m.; borrowed from Russ. sobol (comp. Dan. zobel). From the same source are derived MidLat. sabellum (OFr. sable, E. sable) and sabellinus, whence Ital. zibellino, Span. zebellina, Fr. zibeline.