witch hazel

The story

1. Old English · inherited fromwiċe“wych elm or rowan”
2. Middle English · inherited fromwiche
3. English todaywitch hazel

See Middle English wiche, from Old English wiċe (“wych elm or rowan”), perhaps derived from the root of wīcan (“to give way”). Folk etymology refers to use by witches and other sorcerers of folkish magic using the plant in potions; however, compare German Zaubernuss (“witch hazel”, literally “magic nut”).