fyrd
Definition
- Noun (historical):
- A military force in Anglo-Saxon England: The "fyrd" was a local militia or army raised from freemen in Anglo-Saxon England, typically called upon for defense or military campaigns.
- Obligation of military service: The term also refers to the duty or obligation of freemen to serve in this militia.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- The king summoned the fyrd to defend the kingdom against Viking raiders. (The local militia was called to protect the territory.)
- Every able-bodied freeman was expected to fulfill his fyrd duty when needed. (Each free man had an obligation to serve in the militia.)
Advanced Usage
"to raise the fyrd": to call up the local militia for military service.
- The lord raised the fyrd from the surrounding shires to repel the invasion. (He gathered the militia from nearby districts.)
"fyrd service": the period or act of serving in the Anglo-Saxon militia.
- Fyrd service was a key part of Anglo-Saxon military organization. (Serving in the militia was a central aspect of their defense system.)
Variants and Related Words
Fyrdman (n): a member of the fyrd; a militiaman.
- Each fyrdman was required to provide his own weapons. (Each militiaman had to bring his own arms.)
Fyrdwite (n): a fine paid for avoiding fyrd service.
- The king imposed a fyrdwite on those who shirked their duty. (A penalty was charged for avoiding militia duty.)
Synonyms
- Militia: a military force raised from the civilian population, especially for local defense.
- Levies: troops raised by conscription or obligation.
Related Idioms