An Etymological Dictionary of the German Language/Annotated/Wisch

by Friedrich Kluge

Wisch, masculine, ‘rag, clout, wisp,’ from the equivalent Middle High German wisch, Old High German wisc, masculine. to which Middle High German and Modern High German wischen, Old High German wisken, is allied. Compare Old Icelandic visk, ‘bundle,’ and also English wisp with a labial instead of a guttural. The base wisku, wisq, wisp, may e connected with Latin virga (from wízgâ?).