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Old Norse Dictionary Entry

Sjálf-dæmi

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Definitions

Definitions

2 definitions

1 sjálf-dæmi

n. ‘self-doom,’ absolute power, Greg. 8.

2 sjálf-dæmi

II. as a law term, ‘self-judgment,’ when, instead of submitting a case to arbitration or to the judgment of a court, one party gave it over to his adversary to give judgment himself; this was by the old customs the greatest satisfaction that could be given, and it often was allowed to an injured man; it was also sometimes used as the last appeal to the justice and generosity of a powerful adversary; the Sagas afford many instances, thus, Sturl. i. ch. 26, 27, ii. ch. 35 sqq., viii. ch. 24, Glúm. ch. 7, Eg. ch. 84, 85, Ld. ch. 50, Nj. ch. 36, 51, Gunnl. S. ch. 10; taka s., selja s., Nj. 54, 77, Ísl. ii. 245.
Similar Words

Similar Words

Runic Inscription

Runic Inscription

sjálf-dæmi

Possible runic inscription in Younger Futhark

The runic text above represents the Old Norse word "sjálf-dæmi" as it might appear in runic inscriptions from the Viking Age (c. 800-1100 CE).

Abbreviations Used

Abbreviations Used

Common Abbreviations

absol
absolute, absolutely.
adv
adverb.
ch
chapter.
ch.
chapter.
l.
Linnæus.
m.
masculine.
n.
neuter.
part
participle.
S.
South, Southern.

Works & Authors

Eg.
Egils Saga. (D. II.)
Glúm.
Víga-Glúms Saga. (D. II.)
Greg.
Gregory. (F. II.)
Ld.
Laxdæla Saga. (D. II.)
Nj.
Njála. (D. II.)
Sturl.
Sturlunga Saga. (D. I.)

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