An Etymological Dictionary of the German Language/Knorre

by Friedrich Kluge

Knorre, m., ‘knotty excrescence,’ from MidHG. knorre, m., with the equiv. variant knûre, m., ‘knot, protuberance’ (on trees, the body, &c.); knûre also signifies ‘rock, cliff, summit’; in the sense of ‘cuff, push,’ it is connected with MidHG. knüsen (from *knusjan), ‘to push, strike.’ For the other meanings too we must probably proceed from a Goth. word with s (z), as the dial. forms indicate, Suab. Knaus, ‘knob on a loaf,’ Swiss knus, ‘knot, excrescence.’ E. knar, ‘knot in wood,’ MidE. knarre, with the variant knorre, ‘knot, excrescence.’ — OHG. has only the adj. chniurig, ‘knotty, stout, firm,’ derived from *knûr. — Comp. Knospe and Knust.