Etymology
This word has no generally agreed etymology, but several suggestions have been put forward: (1) Early authorities often suggest loan from ON, cp. OIcel
beinn ‘straight, direct; hospitable, helpful, accommodating’ (see
bayn) (thus Morris, Knigge 84, Emerson 1927: 255). But the vocalism presents difficulties, since one must explain ME /e:/ < ON /ɛi/ either as the reflex of a (late) OEN form in /ø:/ (thus Emerson) or as showing an
ad hoc ME monophthongization of some sort (thus perhaps Knigge). (2) Alternatively, a superficial similarity with Lat
bene or early Fr
bien,
ben (etc.) ‘well’ has been observed (
MED and TGD).
OED notes objections to both theories (1) and (2), and concludes (as do Schmittbetz 14, 28 and GDS) that the ME is of unknown derivation. (3) Holthausen (1923: 135, followed by McGee 359–60, 538–9) compares OE
bōnian ‘to ornament’ (cp. MHG
büenen, Ger
bohne(r)n, Du
boenen, and OIr
bán ‘white’) and on its root derives an otherwise unknown OE adj.
*bēne <
*bōni; cp. further the MDu
boen ‘fit, good, pretty’ cited by Kroonen as possibly related. OE
bōn- is attested only very rarely (and late), but this etymology has the advantage of explaining both the form and sense of ME
bene.
PGmc Ancestor
(1)*baina-; (3) *bōni-
Proposed ON Etymon (OIcel representative)
beinn 'straight, direct; hospitable, helpful, accommodating'
(ONP beinn (2) (adj.))
Other Scandinavian Reflexes
Far beinur, Icel beinn, Norw bein
OE Cognate
(3) cp. bōnian ‘to ornament’
Phonological and morphological markers
Summary category
DD1c