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Works & Authors cited:

This headword also appears in dictionaries of other languages descending from Old Norse.

Also available in related dictionaries:

Welcome to Old Norse Dictionary, your ultimate resource for exploring the rich linguistic heritage of the Norse language. Our online platform features the complete, classic Old Norse / Old Icelandic dictionary by Richard Cleasby & Gudbrand Vigfusson, first published in 1874. 

As the largest and most comprehensive Old Norse to English dictionary available online, our resource boasts over 35,000 entries with detailed English definitions. 

Whether you're a scholar, student, or enthusiast of Scandinavian history and language, our Old Norse Dictionary provides invaluable insights into the medieval Norse texts and culture. Explore the depths of the Norse language with our user-friendly interface, designed to make your research easy and effective. Discover the rich vocabulary, grammar, and historical context of the Norse language today at oldnorsedictionary.com.

Comprehensive Database: Largest online Old Norse to English dictionary.Over 35,000 entries with precise translations and definitions.

Authentic Language: Discover words as they were used during the Viking Age.Essential for studying Old Norse language, literature, and history

Cognate References: Find unique, historically-accurate English translations.

Dual Representation: Provides alternative word forms using modern Icelandic practices.

Features of Old Norse Dictionary

The Old Norse Dictionary leverages the historical Cleasby & Vigfusson compendium. Its algorithms provide alternative forms for words, ensuring you're seeing authentic translations that maintain the linguistic integrity of the original texts.

How Does It Work?

The Cleasby & Vigfusson Old Norse to English Dictionary

Visit the Website: Go to oldnorsedictionary.com.

Search for a Word: Use the search bar to find Old Norse words.

View Definitions: Explore detailed definitions and word origins.

Alternative Spelling: Check alternative spellings for a comprehensive understanding.

How to Use Old Norse Dictionary

Old Norse is a dead language, that was the father of modern languages like Icelandic, Swedish, Norwegian, Danish, Faroese and Elfdalian.

It was spoken by Scandinavians during the Viking Age, making it the "language of vikings".

What is Old Norse?

The dictionary was published in the late 1800's, making the language of the definitions a bit old fashioned. The author also seemed to prefer cognates, meaning that definition may use lesser known English word that happens to have more similar root to the Old Norse word. For example, spyrja is not simply "to ask", but instead "to speer", which is an older English word meaning the same thing.

The Cleasby & Vigfusson book also used modern Icelandic practice of using letter ö  to represent the original Old Norse vowel ǫ. Whenever this letter appears in a headword, an automatic alternative form is also provided.

Written language of the dictionary

A sample of Old Norse:

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Works and authors cited in "The Cleasby & Vigfusson Dictionary" of Old Norse / Old Icelandic.

Letter Œ

The Cleasby & Vigfusson Old Norse to English Dictionary - Letter Œ