Notes & Queries Archive
REPLY1850

Finkle or Finkel

By J. M. B.

Is not "Finkle" very probably derived from *Finc*, a finch, in the A.-S.? *Fingle* Bridge, which spans the river Teign, amidst some most romantic scenery, has the following etymology assigned to it by a local antiquary, W.T.P. Short, Esq. (vide *Essay on Druidical Remains in Devon*, p. 26.): "*Fyn*, a terminus or boundary; and *Gelli*, hazel, the hazeltree limits or boundary." But, Query, is not the second syllable rather *Gill*, akin to the numerous tribe of "gills" or "ghylls," in the North Countrie?

Topics: Etymology, Druidical Remains

Locations: Fingle Bridge, River Teign, Devon, North Countrie