pikel

Middle English

Alternative forms

• pykyl
• pekille
• pigell

Etymology

From Middle Dutch pekel, Middle Low German pekel (“brine”). Of uncertain ultimate origin: Watkins suggests a connection with Proto-West Germanic *pikkōn (“to strike, peck”) (or perhaps the closely related Latin *picco (“I sting”)); Klein suggests derivation from a personal name of someone who perfected pickling.

Noun

pikel (uncountable)

1. brine
2. spicy sauce served with meat or fish

Descendants

• English: pickle