An Etymological Dictionary of the German Language/Speichel

by Friedrich Kluge

Speichel, m., ‘spittle, saliva,’ from the equiv. MidHG. speichel, OHG. speihhilla, speihhila, f.; allied to Du. speeksel (Goth. *spaikuldr?), ‘spittle.’ It is uncertain in what way these cognates are connected with the root spîw, ‘to spit’ (see speien and spucken).