hǣr
neuter
Hair in Old English is hǣr, and feax is used for a head of hair. If unsure, use hǣr. Wiktionary also lists wiffeax.
Meaning: mass of such filaments on the human head (noun)
Ways to say it
| Old English | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| hǣr | neuter | |
| feax | /fæ͜ɑks/ | neuter |
| wiffeax | /ˈwiːf.fæ͜ɑks/ | neuter |
hǣr is the general word for hair. feax is often used for a person's head of hair or locks.
Which one should you use?
hǣr means hair in general. feax usually means the hair on the head. wiffeax is a compound that specifically means a woman's hair.
How does it change in a sentence?
All three words are neuter nouns. After be, meaning by, the noun takes the dative ending, as in þām feaxe or ðām fexe, by the hair.
Did you know?
- The word feax is related to the English word 'fax', which can refer to a mane or a tuft of hair, though it is most commonly seen today in the name of the communications technology.
Examples in context
- c. 992, Ælfric, "The Nativity of St. Clement the Martyr"
Þā sē enġel ġelǣhte hine be þām feaxe and hine bær tō Babylōne.Then the angel grabbed him by the hair and carried him to Babylon.be þām feaxe means by the hair. - late 9th century, translation of Bede's Ecclesiastical History
Hē hæfde blæc feax, blācne andwlitan, and medmiċele nose þynne.He had black hair, a pale face, and a small, thin nose.blæc feax means black hair.
Example conversation
Godric and Mildryth are talking about their appearance.
- GodricHū is þīn hǣr tōdæg?How is your hair today?
- MildrythMīn hǣr is tō lang.My hair is too long.
- GodricIc lufie þīnne hǣr swā hē is.I love your hair as it is.
- MildrythÞancie þē, Godric.Thank you, Godric.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “hair” translations and entries feax, wiffeax, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries feax, wiffeax, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
