See Also: Danegeld(dictionary)
Danegeld(encyclopedia)

Danegeld (iou)



Danegeld noun. . LOE.
[from Old Norse genit. of Danir (pl.) Danes + gjald payment, tribute (cf. GELD noun); = Old Danish Danegjeld.]
English History. An annual tax, imposed orig. (it is believed) to provide funds for the protection of England against the Danes (but often identified with the tribute exacted by the Danes in the late 10th century), and continued as a land tax. LOE.
A sum of money paid or demanded in order to ensure safety against a more powerful enemy; protection money. E20.