dēofol-dǣd

Posted on May 21, 2022 by Hana Videen

dēofol-dǣd, f.n: a devil-deed, diabolical deed. (DAY-ov-oll-DAD / ˈdeːɔ-vɔl-ˌdæːd)

Sequence of images in a medieval manuscript depicting an angel being unchained from a flame-filled prison, then flying up and out the gate to a garden where a serpent in a tree communicates with a naked woman, then a naked man and woman look at a tree together. — Satan’s messenger flying up from hell in the Junius manuscript; England, c. 1000; Bodleian Library, MS. Junius 11, p. 20. [digital.bodleian.ox.ac.uk]

brycg-weard

Posted on May 20, 2022 by Hana Videen

brycg-weard, m.n: bridge-keeper, defender of a bridge. (BRUEJ-WEH-ard / ˈbrydʒ-ˌwɛard)

Medieval manuscript illustration of a man wearing a crown standing on a bridge with two companions; two entirely-gold naked humans meet them with hammers, one in the process of tumbling off the side of the bridge. — Alexander the Great encounters two golden knights guarding a bridge in India, from the Romance of Alexander; France, 14th century; Bodleian Library, MS. Bodl. 264, f. 70v. [digital.bodleian.ox.ac.uk]

wiþerling

Posted on May 19, 2022 by Hana Videen

wiþerling, m.n: an adversary. (WITH-er-ling / ˈwɪ-θɛr-lɪŋ)

Medieval manuscript illustration of a hairy quadruped with a long tail, mane and rainbow stripes opening its mouth wide towards a two-legged, rainbow-winged dragon whose head is hidden in a hole in the dirt. — A panther scaring a dragon in a bestiary; France (Thérouanne?), c. 1270; J. Paul Getty Museum, Ms. Ludwig XV 3, f. 88r. [blogs.getty.edu]

sǣ-ǣl

Posted on May 18, 2022 by Hana Videen

sǣ-ǣl, m.n: sea-eel. (SAE-AEL / ˈsæː-ˌæːl)

This week’s Wordhord Wednesday post is on listening. Read it on Patreon.

frēond

Posted on May 17, 2022 by Hana Videen

frēond, m.n: friend. (FRAY-ond / ˈfreːɔnd)

Medieval manuscript image of two bird-like heads with long beaks; one head is at the end of a long narrow neck which joins a pair of hairy animal legs, the haunch of which is actually the other head. — Romans arthuriens; N France, 1270-90; Bibliothèque nationale de France, Département des Manuscrits, Français 95, f. 318r. [gallica.bnf.fr]

ge-daflīc

Posted on May 16, 2022 by Hana Videen

ge-daflīc, adj: convenient, fitting. (yeh-DOFF-leech / jɛ-ˈdaf-liːtʃ)

Patrons, don’t forget to send requests for words that you find fun or ge-daflīc for Goldgifa Week! Find out more on Patreon.

un-tīma

Posted on May 15, 2022 by Hana Videen

un-tīma, m.n: wrong or improper time; bad time. (UN-TEE-ma / ˈʌn-ˌtiː-ma)

ȳstan

Posted on May 14, 2022 by Hana Videen

ȳstan, wk.v: to be stormy. (UE-stahn / ˈyː-stan)

Medieval manuscript image two winged heads blowing rain and wind down upon a group of ships that toss in the waves; one ship has already foundered, with bodies floating in the water amidst the debris. — Histoire ancienne jusqu’à César; Italy (Naples), 14th century; British Library, Royal MS 20 D I, f. 176v. [bl.uk]

weorþan

Posted on May 13, 2022 by Hana Videen

weorþan, str.v: to become, happen, befall, come to pass. (WEH-or-than / ˈwɛɔr-θan)

hlosnian

Posted on May 12, 2022 by Hana Videen

hlosnian, wk.v: to listen, hear, pay attention. (H’LOSS-ni-ahn / ˈhlos-nɪ-an)

Did you know there’s an audiobook of The Wordhord: Daily Life in Old English? Available from Princeton Audio in the US and Canada, read by the talented Sara Powell. Find out more.

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