Varangian

[ vuh-ran-jee-uhn ]

noun

any of the Northmen who, under Rurik, established a dynasty in Russia in the 9th century.
a member of the bodyguard (Varangian guard ) of the Byzantine emperors, especially in the 11th and 12th centuries, made up of Northmen, Anglo-Saxons, and other northern Europeans.

adjective

of or relating to the Varangians.

Words Nearby Varangian

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use Varangian in a sentence

Glycerium responded, with a slight air of constraint, “Sigurd Olafson, the young Varangian captain.”
The Proud Prince | Justin Huntly McCarthy
Its rulers were brave, their Varangian followers were courageous, the city was strong.
Historic Tales, Vol. 8 (of 15) | Charles Morris
It was probably about the 9th century that the Chudes became tributary to the Varangian-Russian states.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 16, Slice 7 | Various
The Varangian princes, invited by the Novgorodians, of whom Rurik was the chief, soon signalized themselves by great expeditions.
The Art of War | Baron Henri de Jomini
I found the kislischi nearly identical with the ancient Scandinavian mead: no doubt it dates from the Varangian rule in Russia.
The Atlantic Monthly, Volume 15, No. 87, January, 1865 | Various

British Dictionary definitions for Varangian

Varangian

/ (vəˈrændʒɪən) /

noun

one of the Scandinavian peoples who invaded and settled parts of Russia and Ukraine from the 8th to the 11th centuries, and who formed the bodyguard of the Byzantine emperor (Varangian Guard) in the late 10th and 11th centuries

adjective

of or relating to the Varangians

Origin of Varangian

C18: from Medieval Latin Varangus, from Medieval Greek Barangos, from Old Norse Væringi, probably from vār pledge

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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