Etymology

From Middle English, from Old English ātorcoppe ‎(“spider”), corresponding to atter ‎(“poison, venom”) +‎ cop ‎(“head”). The latter is still to be found in the English word cobweb. Cognate to Dutch etterkop ‎(“peevish or ill-natured person”).

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ˈætəkɒp/