[ bə'sə:k , -z- ]
■ adjective out of control; wild or frenzied.
■ noun (also ~er ) an ancient Norse warrior who fought with frenzy.
Word History
Berserk was first used in English in the early 19th century, in reference to ancient Norse warriors, ~ers , who fought with furious violence. The word derives from Old Norse ~r , probably from bjorn 'bear' + serkr 'coat'; it has been suggested that warriors performed a war dance wearing bearskins to imbue them with the bear's strength before battle. The word has also been explained as being from berr 'bare' (i.e. without armour).