knapsack

Where does the word "knapsack" come from? It comes from German Knapsack, passing through Dutch before entering English (c. 1600).

Knapsack’s story begins in German: Knapsack meant “a soldier's food bag.” Low German compound of 'knappen' (to snap, to eat) and 'Sack' (bag) — literally an 'eating bag'. By 1500s-1600s, the word had taken hold in Dutch as knapzak. Parallel form current alongside the Low German word as it spread through trading and military contacts. It reached English by c. 1600 as knapsack. German 'knappen', to bite, plus 'Sack', bag: a bag for provisions. Today, knapsack means a bag carried on the back, especially for hiking or travel.

1. Stage 1 · German · 1500s Knapsack "a soldier's food bag", Low German compound of 'knappen' (to snap, to eat) and 'Sack' (bag) — literally an 'eating bag'.
2. Stage 2 · Dutch · 1500s-1600s knapzak "a food or travel bag carried on the back", parallel form current alongside the Low German word as it spread through trading and military contacts.
3. Stage 3 · English · c. 1600 knapsack "a bag carried on the back for supplies", German 'knappen', to bite, plus 'Sack', bag: a bag for provisions.