An Etymological Dictionary of the German Language/Quecke

by Friedrich Kluge

Quecke, f., ‘quick-grass,’ ModHG. only, from LG.; comp. Du. kweek, AS. cwiče, E. quitch-, couch-grass; these words seem to be connected with queck, ‘living,’ as a term for a luxuriant weed. “No plant has more vitality than this species of grass, which is propagated by its root, and therefore is very difficult to extirpate.”