Where does “körkarl” come from?
körkarl (Swedish) comes from Swedish Karl, from Old Swedish karilʀ, from Old Norse Karl, from Proto-Norse ᚲᚨᚱᛁᛚᚨᛉ, from Proto-Germanic karilaz, from Proto-Germanic karaz, from Proto-Indo-European ǵerh₂- — to grow old, to mature.
körkarl (Swedish): coachman
Definitions
- coachman
Ancestry of “körkarl”, step by step
körkarl traces back through two separate lines of ancestry.
via Swedish Karl
| Step | Language | Word | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Swedish | Karl | — |
| 2 | Old Swedish | karilʀ | a man |
| 3 | Old Norse | Karl | man |
| 4 | Proto-Norse | ᚲᚨᚱᛁᛚᚨᛉ | — |
| 5 | Proto-Germanic | karilaz | free man, franklin; little man, young man |
| 6 | Proto-Germanic | karaz | — |
| 7 | Proto-Indo-European | ǵerh₂- | to grow old, to mature |
via Swedish köra
| Step | Language | Word | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Swedish | köra | to drive; to operate a vehicle; to execute, run;... |
| 2 | Swedish | kör | choir; singing group |
| 3 | French | chœur | chorus; choir |
| 4 | Middle French | Cuer | choir |
| 5 | Latin | chorus | chorus (all forms); a performance with dancing and singing; a troop or band of dancers and singers; performers |
| 6 | Ancient Greek | χορός | dance ring, round dance; dance accompanied by... |
| 7 | Proto-Indo-European | ǵʰer- | to yearn for; to enclose; bowels, intestines |