An Etymological Dictionary of the German Language/Kittel

by Friedrich Kluge

Kittel, m., ‘smock-frock,’ from MidHG. kitel, kittel, m., ‘smock-frock, shirt, chemise.’ AS. cyrtel, E. kirtle, OIc. kyrtell, on account of the medial r and the abnormal dental correspondence, cannot be compared (they are allied to kurz). Its connection with χιτών is impossible. The origin of the HG. word has not been explained. The strong suspicion that it has been borrowed cannot be proved.