The odd and doubtful construction probably accounts for the absurd folk-etymology (attested by 1640 but originally, and in 18c. usually, in jest-books) that claims it to be an abbreviation of north east south west, as though “information from all quarters of the compass.”
That’s what I learnt the origin of the word was.
My English teacher was dead serious when she told me that too
To be fair to her, its an old myth
https://www.etymonline.com/word/news