Etymology

First attested in the 15th century in Central German ōse, Middle Low German ōse. Since the word is seemingly of northern origin, it may be derived via Old Saxon *ōsi, from Proto-Germanic *ansijō ‎(“loop, handle”), from Proto-Indo-European *h₂ensehᵃ- ‎(“loop, hook, handle”). Alternatively, it may be derived from the cognate of German Ohr ‎(“ear”); compare Öhr ‎(“eye of the needle”).

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ˈøːzə/