An Etymological Dictionary of the German Language/Annotated/Dolde

by Friedrich Kluge

Dolde, feminine, ‘umbel,’ from Middle High German tolde, feminine, ‘top or crown of a plant or tree,’ Old High German toldo, masculine; the Modern High German word has apparently a Low German initial sound. The root is dul (pre-Teutonic dhel), as is indicated by Old High German tola, ‘grape-stalk.’ From Aryan dhel, Greek θόλος, ‘dome’ (allied in meaning to Modern High German Dolde, ‘umbel’), is formed by gradation. Yet θάλλω, ‘to sprout, bloom,’ θάλος, neuter, ‘young shoot, twig, may also be cognates.