gewgaw

The story

1. Proto-Germanic · derived from*gebō“gift”
2. Old English · derived fromgiefu
3. Middle English · derived fromgive
4. Middle English · inherited fromgivegove“gewgaw, trifle”
5. English todaygewgaw

From earlier gugaw, gygaw, from Middle English givegove (“gewgaw, trifle”), a reduplication of Middle English give, geove (“gift”), from Old English giefu, geofu, geafu (“gift”), from Proto-Germanic *gebō (“gift”). Compare Icelandic gyligjöf (“showy gifts, gewgaw”). More at give.

Words from the same roots

First known use, by meaning

• from 15th c. A showy trifle, a toy; a showy trinket, ornament or decoration.