English Explanatory Dictionary

ring-giver

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. A ruler or chieftain who distributed rings or other valuable gifts to loyal warriors, thanes, or retainers as a means of rewarding service and reinforcing bonds of allegiance and mutual obligation.

Word forms

ring-giver ring-givers

Etymology

Literary calque of Old English bēagġiefa, from bēag (“ring”) + ġiefa (“giver”).

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