KENNING

TileHead’s Word of the Day for 11 July 2011

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KENNING  (n. pl. - S)

Definition(s):

1. (n.) a metaphorical compound word or phrase, used especially in Old English and Old Norse poetry

Useful information for game players:

• Front hooks: (none)
• Back hooks: -S
• Anagrams: (none)
• Longer extensions: (none)
• Wraparounds: (none)
• Other Spellings: (none)
• Related Forms: (none)

Epilogue:
You probably encountered KENNINGS if you ever had to read Beowulf.  They are the poetic compounds favored by ancient bards: for example, blood is called “battle sweat,” the sea is the “whale-road,” and the sun is referred to as “sky’s jewel.”  Aside from adding color and interest, KENNINGS probably served as mnemonic devices for oral recitation, as well as helped the poet to achieve certain types of meter or alliteration.  The word derives from the Old Norse kenna (“to know, to perceive”), the same root behind the English verb KEN (“to know”), which survives today chiefly in the phrase “beyond one’s ken.”

This week’s theme: Words starting with the letter K

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