An Etymological Dictionary of the German Language/Mörser

by Friedrich Kluge

Mörser, m., ‘mortar (bowl),’ from the equiv. MidHG. morsœre, OHG. morsâri, m.;. allied to Suab., Alem., and Hess. Mörschel, ‘mortar,’ and morsch. The combination rs instead of rsch (see under herrschen, Hirsch, birschen, &c.) occurs also in Hirse, compared with the dial. Hirsche. The HG. form, OHG. mors-âri, is based on a verbal root murs; comp. MidHG. zermürsen (MidG. zermorschen), ‘to crash to pieces,’ Swiss morsen, mürsen, ‘to grind, pound small,’ Du. morzelen, ‘to pulverise, mangle.’ On the other hand, the equiv. Lat. mortarium (Fr. mortier) is indicated by Du. mortier, AS. mortêre, MidE. mortêr, E. mortar.