An Etymological Dictionary of the German Language/Knauf

by Friedrich Kluge

Knauf, m., ‘button, pommel,’ from MidHG. knouf, m., ‘pommel (of a sword), pinnacle,’ also a dimin. knoufel, knöufel, m., OHG. *chnouf not recorded; Goth. *knaups is also indicated by Du. knoop, m., ‘button, knob.’ A Goth. graded form *knupps may likewise be inferred from the cognates discussed under Knopf, which see.