I. vəˈranjēən adjective
Usage: usually capitalized
Etymology: Middle Greek Barangoi, plural + English -an, adjective suffix
: of, relating to, or characteristic of the Varangians
II. noun
( -s )
Usage: capitalized
Etymology: Middle Greek Barangoi, plural, Varangians (of Scandinavian origin; akin to Old Norse Væringjar Varangians, from plural of væringi confederate, from vārar, plural, pledge) + English -an, n. suffix — more at very
1. : one of the Scandinavians who founded a dynasty in Russia in the 9th century
2. : a member of the bodyguard of the Byzantine emperors especially in the 11th and 12th centuries composed chiefly of Russians or later of Scandinavians or other northern Europeans