An Etymological Dictionary of the German Language/Salbuch

by Friedrich Kluge

Salbuch, n., ‘register of the survey of lands,’ from MidHG. sal-buoch, n., ‘register of lands belonging to the community, a record of receipts and donations,’ from MidHG. sal, f., ‘legal assignment of an estate,’ which, with MidHG. sal, m., ‘legacy,’ is connected with OHG. sęllen, AS. sęllan, ‘to surrender.’ The corresponding E. verb to sell has acquired a different shade of meaning.