dysig-cræftig

Posted on April 1, 2022 by Hana Videen

dysig-cræftig, adj: skilled in foolish arts (i.e. magic). (DUE-zih-KRAFF-tih / ˈdy-zɪj-ˌkræf-tɪj)

wīglian

Posted on November 2, 2021 by Hana Videen

wīglian, wk.v: to practise divination or sorcery. (WEE-li-ahn / ˈwiːj-lɪ-an)

Historiated letter D in a medieval manuscript containing a man studying a series of markings at a desk or lectern while two hairy black devils look on. — James le Palmer’s Omne Bonum; England (London), 14th century; British Library, Royal 6 E VI, f. 535v. [bl.uk]

galdor-lēoþ

Posted on October 24, 2021 by Hana Videen

galdor-lēoþ, n.n: charm, incantation. (GAL-dor-LAY-oth / ˈgal-dɔr-ˌleːɔθ)

heoloþ-helm

Posted on October 22, 2021 by Hana Videen

heoloþ-helm, m.n: helmet which makes the wearer invisible, helmet of deception. (HEH-oh-loth-HELM / ˈhɛɔ-lɔθ-ˌhɛlm)

munt-ælfen

Posted on October 20, 2021 by Hana Videen

munt-ælfen, f.n: mountain elf, mountain nymph. (MUNT-AL-ven / ˈmʌnt-ˌæl-vɛn)

This week’s Wordhord Wednesday post is on elves and the quirks of lexicographers. Read it on Patreon.

wicce-dōm

Posted on October 29, 2020 by Hana Videen

wicce-dōm, m.n: witchcraft, sorcery, magic. (WITCH-eh-DOAM / ˈwɪ-t͡ʃɛ-ˌdoːm)

wīglung

Posted on September 5, 2020 by Hana Videen

wīglung, f.n: divination, soothsaying, sorcery, augury. (WEE-glung / ˈwiː-glʌŋ)

Medieval manuscript illustration of two men riding horses and looking around, with two flocks of birds above them flying in opposite directions. — Romulus and Remus using the flight of certain types of birds to determine where to found the city of Rome. France, c. 1390-1400. J. Paul Getty Museum, Ms. Ludwig XIII 3, leaf 4. [blogs.getty.edu]

ælf-cynn

Posted on June 1, 2020 by Hana Videen

ælf-cynn, n.n: elf-kind, the race of elves, referring to their supposed agency in bringing about some affliction, or perhaps referring to the affliction itself. (ALF-KUN / ˈælf-ˌkɝn)

be-galan

Posted on May 14, 2020 by Hana Videen

be-galan, str.v: to enchant. (beh-GAH-lahn / bɛ-ˈga-lan)

mere-menen

Posted on March 27, 2020 by Hana Videen

mere-menen, f.n: a siren. (MEH-reh-MEN-en)

Northumberland Bestiary. England, c. 1250-1260. The J. Paul Getty Museum, MS. 100, f. 14r. [blogs.getty.edu]