Beil

Meaning

Concepts

Synonyms

Translations

Notes

Practice pronunciation

Extra tools

axe, hatchet

Frequency

Basel-Landschaft

beiel

Basel-Landschaft

beil

Data provided by: Deutsch-Schweizerdeutsches Wörterbuch

Pronounced as (IPA)

/baɪ̯l/

Inherited from Middle High German

Inherited from Old High German

Cognate with Bavarian

Cognate with Dutch

Cognate with German

Cognate with Middle High German

Cognate with Old English

In summary

From Middle High German bīl, bīhel, from Old High German bīhal (whence also Bavarian Beichl), attested (in the form witubil) since the 8th century, ultimately from Proto-Germanic *bíþla- (“axe”), instrumental noun from *bītaną (“to bite”). Compare Dutch bijl. Conflated early on with Proto-Germanic *bilją and its descendants (German Bille). (Kluge mentioned that, in his day, a relationship to Bicke / Middle High German bicke (“pickaxe”) — compare Old English becca (“pickaxe”) — could not be ruled out.)