æ was a single letter in the Old English alphabet, and was known as the “ashtree.”  Nowadays, it’s commonly referred to as the “ash.”

Because it’s definitely commonly referred to…..

Just when I thought I couldn’t find any more interesting etymologies, I found out that the word “worm” comes from the Old English wyrm, which meant “dragon.” 

Somewhere in history, some guy was supposed to slay a dragon.  But he wimped out big time.  And brought a worm home.  And tricked his village.