Kenning

From Fresh Dictionary

Contents 1 English 1.1 Etymology 1.2 Pronunciation 1.3 Noun

English

Etymology

Old Norse, from kenna ‘know, perceive’, from Germanic *kunnan ‘be able’. Compare can, ken.

Pronunciation

IPA: /'kɛnɪŋ/

Noun

Singular kenning

Plural kennings

1. A metaphorical phrase used in Germanic poetry (especially Old English or Old Norse) whereby a simple thing is described in an allusive way, such as ‘whale road’ for ‘sea’, or ‘enemy of the mast’ for ‘wind’.