This is the only acceptable etymology. It may not follow the sounds rule, but the only other permissible link = mediaeval Latin HIGRA= Middle English HIGRE has no connection in initial spelling and presents problems with phonology. The Old French AIGUERRE (flood) is inadmissible for this word, because the 'u' would still be in place for a comparatively recent origin. Old Norse AIGYR had been cited, but the 'R' would have been lost - not retained in such sound changes. The Early English AGAR form is the most likely link. The Old Welsh ACHES (sea) had been cited, but this is side tracking and dubious. There is more likely to be a connection with the root of ACKER (ripple on a puddle) than with the other citations. 10:56, 17 August 2015 (UTC) Andrew (talk)
means 'Absolutely not; means 'Exceedingly unlikely'; means 'Very dubious'; means 'Questionable'; means 'Possible'; means 'Probable'; means 'Likely'; means 'Most Likely' or *Unattested; means 'Attested'; means 'Obvious' - only used for close matches within the same language or dialect, at linkable periods.