cræft
/kræft/
The English phrase 'art' is translated into Old English as cræft.
The term refers to a skill or specialized craft used to create something. It encompasses more than just manual dexterity, as it can also describe a person's inherent strength or power.
What does it mean word for word?
The word cræft literally denotes skill, strength or power.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of cræft is cræftas. In the singular dative case, the word changes to cræfte. To describe someone who possesses such a skill, you can use the adjective cræftig.
How do you pronounce it?
/kræft/
Did you know?
- The Old English word cræft is the ancestor of the modern English word 'craft' and a cousin of the German word Kraft, which means 'power'.
- While cræft refers to skill, it was often used in Old English to describe magical or supernatural power, such as the 'craft' of a sorcerer.
- Because cræft could mean both 'skill' and 'strength', an Old English speaker might use the same word to describe a clever plan and a powerful blow.
Example conversation
Eadgyth and Eadric are looking at a carved wooden bowl.
- EadgythHwæt is þes cræft?What is this art?
- EadricHit is glēaw cræft.It is a clever art.
- EadgythCanst þū þone cræft?Do you know the art?
- EadricNā, ac ic wille lēornian.No, but I want to learn.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry cræft, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
