Dictionary
wergild
noun wer·gild \ˈwər-ˌgild\
Definition of WERGILD
: the value set in Anglo-Saxon and Germanic law upon human life in accordance with rank and paid as compensation to the kindred or lord of a slain person
Variants of WERGILD
wer·gild or wer·geld \-ˌgeld\
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Origin of WERGILD
Middle English wergeld, from Old English, from wer man + -geld, alteration of gield, geld payment, tribute — more at geld
First Known Use: 13th century
Rhymes with WERGILD
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