An Etymological Dictionary of the German Language/Kneipe
Kneipe, f., ‘pincers, gripes,’ ModHG. only, of obscure origin; its cognate relation to kneipen can only be assumed, since an older connecting link between it and Kneipe, ‘tavern,’ is wanting; orig. Kneipe was a low tavern. Is it related to Du. knijp, f., ‘narrowness, embarrassment’? or rather Du. knijp, m., ‘bird-snare, brothel’?