SVERFA

Old Norse Dictionary Entry

SVERFA

Old Norse Dictionary Entry

Definitions

1 SVERFA

sverf; pret. svarf, pl. surfu: part. sorfinn; [Ulf. af-swairban = ἐξαλείφειν, ἐκμάσσειν; Engl. swerve; Dutch swerven; Swed. swerfva]:—to file; járn sorfit, Stj. 160; sverfr hann, 158; svarf hann með snarpri þél, Bs. i. 237; sverfa til stáls, to ‘file to the steel’ to the core, i. e. to fight it out to the last; kvað þá verða at s. til stáls með þeim, Fms. vii. 244; láta þá til stáls sverva með þeim, Ó. H. 41; ok láta s. til stáls með ykkr bræðrum, Fb. ii. 122, Orkn. 234, 428: sverfr at, it presses hard; er í kreppingar kemr ok at sverfr, Fms. iv. 147.

Runic Inscription

ᛋᚢᛁᚱᚠᛅ

Possible runic inscription in Younger Futhark

Abbreviations Used

Common Abbreviations

ch
chapter.
Engl
English.
Engl.
English.
f.
feminine.
gl
glossary.
gl.
glossary.
i. e.
id est.
l.
Linnæus.
n.
neuter.
part
participle.
part.
participle.
pl.
plural.
pret.
preterite.
Swed
Swedish.
Swed.
Swedish.
Ulf.
Ulfilas.
v.
vide, verb.

Works & Authors

Bs.
Biskupa Sögur. (D. III.)
Fb.
Flateyjar-bók (E. I.)
Fms.
Fornmanna Sögur. (E. I.)
Ó. H.
Ólafs Saga Helga. (E. I.)
Orkn.
Orkneyinga Saga. (E. II.)
Stj.
Stjórn. (F. I.)

About

Old Norse Dictionary project aims to provide a comprehensive searchable dictionary based on the legendary Cleasby-Vigfusson work.

It includes abbreviations, works & authors, and authentic runic inscriptions.

Support

Quick Links

Copyright © 2025 Old Norse Dictionary
"Fornjóts synir eru á landi komnir"