As part of the word “spruce,” there is “Pruce”. This was an old form of the designation of the former (1525-1935) Germanic nation known as Prussia.
An expression like “das Pruce” evolved to refer to the region’s main evergreen tree (aka Prussian fir) with the preceding word “s” misinterpreted for being part of the word; thus making “spruce.”
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Well I’ve never heard that explanation before!
That's really interesting. I can believe it. Timber was such a vital part of life at one time.
I wonder which tree Prussian Fir was. It may not have been a single species. Timber merchants aren't botanists, and a whole family of trees can produce a similar timber, the same really as far as working it is concerned.