An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

A very high steep rock or ice face, especially one that runs along a coastline. → scarp.

Etymology (EN): M.E., O.E. clif (cf. O.S. clif, O.N. klif, O.H.G. klep, M.Du. klippe, Ger. Klippe “cliff, steep rock”).

Etymology (PE): Tondân, from tond “swift, rapid, brisk,” → scarp + -ân a suffix of nuance/relation.