Danegeld

[ deyn-geld ]

noun

1. (in medieval England) an additional tax on land believed to have been levied originally as a tribute to the Danish invaders but later continued for other purposes.

Danegeld

/ ˈdeɪnˌɡɛlt; ˈdeɪnˌɡɛld /

noun

1. the tax first levied in the late 9th century in Anglo-Saxon England to provide protection money for or to finance forces to oppose Viking invaders

Word History and Origins

Origin of Danegeld¹

before 1150; Middle English denegeld, danegeld, Old English (Domesday Book) Danegeld. See Dane, geld ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of Danegeld¹

C11: from Dan Dane + geld tribute; see yield

Example Sentences

It loses that meaning in course of time because the danegeld gives way before newer forms of taxation.

From Project Gutenberg

This, when we call to mind the huge weight of the danegeld, will appear as a matter of the utmost importance.

From Project Gutenberg

What could the statesmen, who were hoping to correct the assessment of the danegeld, make of so vague a statement?

From Project Gutenberg

The old danegeld is still being occasionally levied, and in the main the old assessment prevails.

From Project Gutenberg

We find this primitive system obsolete in 1130, when a borough gave an 'auxilium' where its county paid Danegeld.

From Project Gutenberg