Höfuð-svörðr
Old Norse Dictionary - höfuð-svörðr
Meaning of Old Norse word "höfuð-svörðr" (or hǫfuð-svǫrðr)
As defined by the Cleasby & Vigfusson Old Norse to English dictionary:
- höfuð-svörðr (hǫfuð-svǫrðr)
- m. the head skin, scalp; in the phrase, standa yfir e-s höfuðsvörðum, to have an enemy’s head at one’s feet, slay one, Fms. iii. 104, Ld. 132, 172, Al. 106, 116.
Orthography: The Cleasby & Vigfusson book used letter ö to represent the original Old Norse vowel ǫ. Therefore, höfuð-svörðr may be more accurately written as hǫfuð-svǫrðr.
Possible runic inscription in Younger Futhark:ᚼᚢᚠᚢᚦ-ᛋᚢᚢᚱᚦᚱ
Younger Futhark runes were used from 8th to 12th centuries in Scandinavia and their overseas settlements
Abbreviations used:
- l.
- line.
- m.
- masculine.
Works & Authors cited:
- Al.
- Alexanders Saga. (G. I.)
- Fms.
- Fornmanna Sögur. (E. I.)
- Ld.
- Laxdæla Saga. (D. II.)