An Etymological Dictionary of the German Language/Stiel

by Friedrich Kluge

Stiel, m., ‘handle, stalk, pedicle,’ from the equiv. MidHG. and OHG. stil, m. Phonetically the assumption that the word was borrowed from Lat. stĭlus, ‘style’ (for writing), is possible. It is more probable, however, that the words are primit. allied, on account of AS. stela, steola, ‘handle’ (E. diminutive stalk), and of Gr. στέλεχος, ‘handle.’ The cognates of Stall, Stolle, and still may also be primit. allied.