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