An Etymological Dictionary of the German Language/Annotated/Ermel

by Friedrich Kluge

Ermel, masculine, ‘sleeve,’ from the equivalent Middle High German ęrmel. Old High German ęrmilo, armilo, masculine; diminutive of Arm. Compare the diminutive form of Faust, Middle High German viustelinc, ‘mitten,’ also Middle High German vingerlîn, ‘ring (worn on the finger),’ diminutive of Finger, English thimble, diminutive of thumb.