Etymology uncertain, but apparently related to Scots hod, Scots houd, howd. Probably all from Old English hūdenian ("to shake, sway, rock back and forth"), from Proto-Germanic *hud- ("to shake"). Related to Scots hodder, Low German hūdern. Compare also hoddle.
Alteration of Middle English hott ("pannier"), from Old French hotte, from Frankish *hotta ("basket").
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