Grafgangs-maðr

Old Norse Dictionary Entry

Grafgangs-maðr

Old Norse Dictionary Entry

Definitions

1 grafgangs-maðr

m. a Norse law term; if freed slaves married against their master’s will, and became paupers, the master might put them into an open grave till one died, when the survivor was taken out. The tale of Svaði digging a grave for the poor, Fms. ii. 222, refers no doubt to this cruel law, which is described in N. G. L. i. 33, but not recorded elsewhere.

2 grafgangs-maðr

II. generally a proletarian, N. G. L. i. 97.

Runic Inscription

ᚴᚱᛅᚠᚴᛅᚾᚴᛋ-ᛘᛅᛏᚱ

Possible runic inscription in Younger Futhark

Abbreviations Used

Common Abbreviations

ch
chapter.
m.
masculine.

Works & Authors

Fms.
Fornmanna Sögur. (E. I.)
N. G. L.
Norges Gamle Love. (B. II.)

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