† springeln.

Etymology: Probably the reflex of an unattested Old English *sprengels < sprengansprenge v. + -els-els suffix. In forms without final -s showing either suffix substitution (see -el suffix¹) or an inferred singular with loss of -s by confusion with the plural ending -s ; compare metels n., rechels n. Compare Old Frisian sprangel , Middle Low German Sprengel , Middle High German sprengel (German Sprengel ), all in the sense ‘holy water sprinkler’. Compare sprinkle n.¹Some forms could alternatively show an independent formation < sprenge v. + -el suffix¹, perhaps after post-classical Latin aspergillum aspergillum n. The α. forms show Middle English raising of e to i before n plus consonant (compare discussion at springe n.), perhaps with further influence from spring v.¹ 4, springle v.¹, and sprinkle v.²