Where does “limp” come from?

Limp comes from Middle English limpen, from Old English limpan, from Proto-Germanic limpaną, from Proto-Indo-European (s)lemb-, of unknown ultimate meaning.

limp (English): To walk lamely, as if favouring one leg; To...

Definitions

  1. To walk lamely, as if favouring one leg; To...

Ancestry of “limp”, step by step

StepLanguageWordMeaning
1Middle Englishlimp—
2Old Englishlemp—
3Proto-West Germanic*limpanto turn out well
4Proto-Germaniclimpanąto glide; to go; to suit, fit
5Proto-Indo-European(s)lemb-to droop; sag; hang loosely

Words derived from “limp”

Every word from Proto-Indo-European (s)lemb- →