Danegeld

[ deyn-geld ]

noun

1. (in medieval England) an additional tax on land believed to have been levied originally as a tribute to the Danish invaders but later continued for other purposes.

Danegeld

/ ˈdeɪnˌɡɛlt; ˈdeɪnˌɡɛld /

noun

1. the tax first levied in the late 9th century in Anglo-Saxon England to provide protection money for or to finance forces to oppose Viking invaders

Word History and Origins

Origin of Danegeld¹

before 1150; Middle English denegeld, danegeld, Old English (Domesday Book) Danegeld. See Dane, geld ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of Danegeld¹

C11: from Dan Dane + geld tribute; see yield

Example Sentences

The Vikings — Scandinavian warriors greatly feared because of their unruly habits and military prowess — later systematized what became an elaborate protection racket in the 11th century by imposing taxes in England known as Danegeld, tribute payments in return for safety.

From New York Times

Another reason to promote it, which progressives like The Post’s Milbank freely admit, is to pressure the justices, especially Roberts, into continuing to pay the Danegeld.

From Washington Post

"Viking raids of increasing magnitude forced the King to pay tribute as Danegeld to try to stop them attacking, but to no avail."

From Fox News

He has taken with him more gold than when Ethelred the Unready paid danegeld to the Vikings.

From The Guardian

“Hidage,” says Vinogradoff, “is historically connected with the old English Danegeld system,” and as Danegeld and then hidage it was levied long after its original purpose was forgotten, and was during the 11th century “the most sweeping and the heaviest of all the taxes.”

From Project Gutenberg