Reconstruction:Proto-West Germanic/labōn

Etymology
Of and disputed origin.

Possibly from, though Latin v usually becomes f or w in West Germanic (e.g. , , ), not b; also, the early West Germanic meanings are difficult to explain, as they do not convey the meaning of "wash" or "bathe". Old High German labōn exclusively means "to refresh, revitalize, invigorate, strengthen, provide sustenance". Not until Middle High German did laben additionally come to mean "wash, bathe with water" (in addition to the existing senses). Likewise, the earliest Old English meaning was "to pour", not "wash, bathe with water". Old Saxon lavōn only means "refresh", and Middle Low German lāven means "refresh, revitalise, provide with food and drink" and never "wash, bathe with water". Indeed, Low German today still signifies "refresh/replenish (oneself), feast". Middle and Modern Dutch also mean "refresh, slake one's thirst", not "wash". Only through sound-alike influence from and  does Middle and Modern English acquire the meaning "wash" or "bathe" (in addition to earlier senses).

Alternatively, perhaps related to 🇨🇬, itself of unknown origin.

Verb

 * 1)   to strengthen
 * 2)   to refresh or revitalise with food, drink, warmth, etc.