Re: Torsten's theory reviewed

>The second element is familiar enough, but there's some
>question as to whether it's related to the Gmc. 'pledge,
>hostage' words (ON <gísl>, OE <gi:s(e)l>, OSax. <gi:sal>,
>OHG <gi:sal>, Langob. <gi:sil>) or to the 'speer' words (ON
><geisli> 'sunbeam', <geisl> 'snow-skater's staff; ray,
>beam', <gísli> 'Stab, Stock', OHG <geis(i)la> 'Geissel,
>Peitsche, Stab, Rute, Gerte', Langob. <gi:sil>
>'arrow-shaft'.

Modern German:

* Geissel "whip" (syn. Peitsche; but provided with the above
mentioned "Rute, Gerte, Stock") < OHG geisila (as above)

* Geisel [gaiz&l; South-German gais&l] "hostage" < OHG gisal
"Bürgschaftsgefangener", i.e. "hostage".

George