'knead' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'cnedan', where 'cned-' meant 'to press or squeeze'.

'cnedan' changed from Old English to the Middle English word 'kneden', and eventually became the modern English word 'knead'.

Initially, it meant 'to press or squeeze', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to work dough or clay into a uniform mixture'.