An Etymological Dictionary of the German Language/Annotated/Kabuse

by Friedrich Kluge

Kabuse, feminine, ‘small hut, partition, caboose,’ Modern High German only, from Middle Low German kabhûse; compare English caboose, which was probably introduced as a naval term into Dutch, kabuys, and into French, cambuse. The stem of the English word is probably the same as in English cabin, and hence is Keltic; English cabin and the cognate French cabane, cabinet, are based upon Welsh kaban. The cognates also suggest Modern High German Käster, ‘small chamber,’ and Old High German chafterî, ‘beehive,’ the origin of which is obscure.