Skák

Old Norse Dictionary - skák

Meaning of Old Norse word "skák" in English.

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

skák Old Norse word can mean:

skák
f. [of Persian origin], chess, Vm. 177; tefla skák, Gsp.
skák
COMPDS: skákborð, skákmaðr.
skák
2. [O. H. G. scâb-man; Germ. schächer], a robber, highwayman, Þiðr. 100 (v. l.), 125 (v. l. 14), 353. skák-tafl, n. a game of chess, Ó. H. 167, Fas. i. 523, Fms. xi. 366 (year 1155), Bs. i. 635 (year 1238), ii. 186, D. n. (in deeds of the 14th century). There is no authentic record of chess in Scandin. before the 12th century, for Fas. l. c. is mythical, and as to Ó. H. 167 see remarks s. v. hnefi. In Icel. there is still played a peculiar kind of chess, called vald-skák, where no piece, if guarded, can be taken or exchanged.
skák
II. metaph. a seat, bench; in the popular phrase, tyltu þér á skákina, take a seat!

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

Abbreviations used:

f.
feminine.
m.
masculine.
Germ.
German.
Icel.
Iceland, Icelander, Icelanders, Icelandic.
l.
line.
l. c.
loco citato.
n.
neuter.
O. H. G.
Old High German.
Scandin.
Scandinavia, Scandinavian.
s. v.
sub voce.
v.
vide.
v. l.
varia lectio.
metaph.
metaphorical, metaphorically.

Works & Authors cited:

Gsp.
Getspeki Heiðreks. (A. II.)
Vm.
Vilkins-máldagi. (J. I.)
Bs.
Biskupa Sögur. (D. III.)
D. N.
Diplomatarium Norvagicum. (J. II.)
Fas.
Fornaldar Sögur. (C. II.)
Fms.
Fornmanna Sögur. (E. I.)
Ó. H.
Ólafs Saga Helga. (E. I.)
Þiðr.
Þiðreks Saga. (G. I.)
➞ See all works cited in the dictionary

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