fæger
The Old English word for handsome (specifically when referring to a man) is fæger.
The term is an adjective used to describe a man as attractive.
Meaning: of man: attractive (adj)
Did you know?
- In Old English poetry, fæger was frequently used to describe the 'fair' appearance of a warrior's gear or armor rather than just his face.
- The word fæger is the ancestor of modern 'fair', which kept the old sense of 'beautiful' in phrases like 'fair maiden'.
Examples in context
- Þū eart fǣger!Thou art handsome!
- He is fæger.He is handsome.
- Se cyning is fæger.The king is handsome.
Example conversation
Osric and Mildryth are talking about a guest at the feast.
- OsricHwæt þyncþ þē be þǣm ġieste?What do you think of the guest?
- MildrythHe is swiþe fæger.He is very handsome.
- OsricMē þyncþ þæt hē is gōd.I think that he is good.
- MildrythHē is gōd and fæger.He is good and handsome.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries fæger, CC BY-SA 4.0.
