Before revision: Etymology The word "starch" is from a Germanic root with the meanings "strong, stiff, strengthen, stiffen".New Shorter Oxford Dictionary, Oxford, 1993 Modern German Stärke (strength, starch) is related and refers to the main historical application, its use in textiles sizing yarn for weaving and starching linen.
After revision: Etymology The word "starch" is from a Germanic root with the meanings "strong, stiff, strengthen, stiffen".New Shorter Oxford Dictionary, Oxford, 1993 Modern German Stärke (strength, starch) is related and refers to the main historical applications, its uses in textiles:, sizing yarn for weaving and starching linen.