An Etymological Dictionary of the German Language/Annotated/Kirchweih

by Friedrich Kluge

Kirchweih, feminine, ‘dedication of a church,’ from Middle High German kirchwîhe, feminine, which thus early signifies also ‘annual fair,’ and even ‘fête’ generally, Old High German chirihwîhî, feminine, properly ‘dedication of a church’ (compare Alemannian Kilbe, chilbi).