Greifi
Old Norse Dictionary - greifi
Meaning of Old Norse word "greifi"
As defined by the Cleasby & Vigfusson Old Norse to English dictionary:
- greifi
- a, m. [A. S. gerêfa; Engl. reeve (shire-reeve = sheriff); Germ. graf; the word is not Scandin., and for the etym. see Grimm’s Rechts-alterth. 752 sqq.]:—an earl, count; Edda 93 states that gerêfas in Saxony (i. e. Germany), barons in England (after the Conquest), and lendir menn in Norway are all synonymous; Nj. 157, FmS. vii. 59, 60, Mar. passim: Stj., Al., and Róm. render Lat. praefectus by greifi: as a nickname, BS. i. 555. greifa-dómr, m. an earldom, county, Ann. 216, Stj.
Possible runic inscription in Younger Futhark:ᚴᚱᛁᛁᚠᛁ
Younger Futhark runes were used from 8th to 12th centuries in Scandinavia and their overseas settlements
Abbreviations used:
- A. S.
- Anglo-Saxon.
- Engl.
- English.
- etym.
- etymology.
- Germ.
- German.
- gl.
- glossary.
- i. e.
- id est.
- l.
- line.
- Lat.
- Latin.
- m.
- masculine.
- n.
- neuter.
- S.
- Saga.
- Scandin.
- Scandinavia, Scandinavian.
Works & Authors cited:
- Al.
- Alexanders Saga. (G. I.)
- Ann.
- Íslenzkir Annálar. (D. IV.)
- Bs.
- Biskupa Sögur. (D. III.)
- Edda
- Edda. (C. I.)
- Fms.
- Fornmanna Sögur. (E. I.)
- Mar.
- Maríu Saga. (F. III.)
- Nj.
- Njála. (D. II.)
- Róm.
- Rómverja Saga. (E. II.)
- Stj.
- Stjórn. (F. I.)