An Etymological Dictionary of the German Language/Laken

by Friedrich Kluge

Laken, m. and n., ‘sheet, shroud,’ ModHG. only, from LG. (OLG. lakan); in HG. prop. Lachen, MidHG. lachen, OHG. lahhan. Westphalia sent a great deal of linen (comp. Linnen) to South Germany, hence the LG. may have supplanted the HG. form. Allied to MidE. lake and ModHG. Leilach.