An Etymological Dictionary of the German Language/Rudel

by Friedrich Kluge

Rudel, n., ‘flock, herd, troop,’ ModHG. only, of uncertain etymology, perhaps a dimin. of Rotte, ‘host’ (comp. MidHG. rode with rotte). OIc. riðull, ‘small detachment of soldiers,’ can scarcely prove the genuine G. origin of Rudel, since it probably belongs to riða, ‘to ride.’ The Kinship of Rudel with Goth. wriþus, ‘herd,’ is also uncertain.