An Etymological Dictionary of the German Language/Kirchweih

by Friedrich Kluge

Kirchweih, f., ‘dedication of a church,’ from MidHG. kirchwîhe, f., which thus early signifies also ‘annual fair,’ and even ‘fête’ generally, OHG. chirihwîhî, f., prop. ‘dedication of a church’ (comp. Alem. Kilbe, chilbi).