An Etymological Dictionary of the German Language/Schmant

by Friedrich Kluge

Schmant, m. (Livon., LG., and Hess.), ‘cream,’ from the equiv. late MidHG. smant, borrowed in the 15th cent. from Slav.; comp. Bohem. smant. With Bohem. smetana (Russ. smetana, ‘cream’) is connected the dial. (Siles., Bohem., and Austr.) Schmetten, ‘cream,’ to which Schmetterling is probably related.