wicing

Alternative forms

• wīġċing

Etymology

Probably from Old Norse víkingr (“a freebooter, rover, pirate”), itself is from Old Norse vík (“inlet, cove, fjord”) + -ingr (“one belonging to”, “one who frequents”). Compare Old Frisian wīking, wītsing, wīzing, wīsing (“pirate, viking”). Thus, “one from or who frequents the sea’s inlets”.

The Old English or Anglo-Frisian form, existing therein since at least the eighth century, could also have been derived from or influenced by wīċ (“camp”), on account of the temporary encampments which were often a prominent feature of the Vikings’ raids.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ˈwiːkiŋɡ/, /ˈwiːt͡ʃiŋɡ/

Noun

wīcing, wīċing m

1. Viking