An Etymological Dictionary of the German Language/kappen

by Friedrich Kluge

kappen, vb., ‘to chop, lop,’ ModHG. simply, from Du. kappen, ‘to split’; comp. Dan. kappe and E. chap. In UpAlsat. kchapfe is found with the HG. form; allied also to the dial. graded forms kipfen, kippen; hence the Teut. root kep, kapp.