Sjálf-dæmi

Old Norse Dictionary - sjálf-dæmi

Meaning of Old Norse word "sjálf-dæmi" in English.

As defined by the Cleasby & Vigfusson Old Norse to English dictionary:

sjálf-dæmi Old Norse word can mean:

sjálf-dæmi: n. ‘self-doom,’ absolute power, Greg. 8.

sjálf-dæmi: II. as a law term, ‘self-judgment,’ when, instead of submitting a case to arbitration or to the judgment of a court, one party gave it over to his adversary to give judgment himself; this was by the old customs the greatest satisfaction that could be given, and it often was allowed to an injured man; it was also sometimes used as the last appeal to the justice and generosity of a powerful adversary; the Sagas afford many instances, thus, Sturl. i. ch. 26, 27, ii. ch. 35 sqq., viii. ch. 24, Glúm. ch. 7, Eg. ch. 84, 85, Ld. ch. 50, Nj. ch. 36, 51, Gunnl. S. ch. 10; taka S., selja S., Nj. 54, 77, Ísl. ii. 245.

Possible runic inscription in Younger Futhark:ᛋᛁᛅᛚᚠ-ᛏᛅᛘᛁ
Younger Futhark runes were used from 8th to 12th centuries in Scandinavia and their overseas settlements

Abbreviations used:

n.: neuter.

ch.: chapter.

l.: line.

m.: masculine.

S.: Saga.

Works & Authors cited:

Greg.: Gregory. (F. II.)

Eg.: Egils Saga. (D. II.)

Glúm.: Víga-Glúms Saga. (D. II.)

Ld.: Laxdæla Saga. (D. II.)

Nj.: Njála. (D. II.)

Sturl.: Sturlunga Saga. (D. I.)

➞ See all works cited in the dictionary