Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
danegeld
noun
/ˈdeɪnˌɡɛld/
Definition
A tax paid to the Danes (Norsemen) in medieval England, originally to buy peace with them.
Examples
- The king imposed a danegeld to ensure the safety of his lands from Viking invaders.
- Historically, many English kings resorted to danegeld as a means to avoid conflict.
Meaning
Danegeld refers to a form of tribute paid to the Vikings to prevent them from invading or plundering, especially during the 9th and 10th centuries.
Synonyms
- tribute
- tax
- levy