Pronunciation: ' w ə r- ˌ gild
Variant: or wer · geld \ - ˌ geld \
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English wergeld, from Old English, from wer man + -geld, alteration of gield, geld payment, tribute ― more at GELD
Date: 13th century
: the value set in Anglo-Saxon and Germanic law upon human life in accordance with rank and paid as compensation to the kindred or lord of a slain person