An Etymological Dictionary of the German Language/Annotated/Pfuhl

by Friedrich Kluge

Pfuhl, masculine, ‘pool, puddle,’ from the equivalent Middle High German and Old High German pfuol, masculine; corresponding to Dutch poel, Anglo-Saxon pôl, English pool. On account of the numerous West Teutonic cognates, as well as the diffculties presented by its sound and form, the word cannot have been borrowed at an early period from Latin pălus (accusative pălûd-em). The early history of the Teutonic pôlo- is obscure.