oqvæþinsorþ (OSw) oqueþinsorþ (OGu) ókvæðisorð (ON) ukvæþins orþ (OSw) uqvæþings orþ (OSw) uqvæþinsorþ (OSw) ukvæthingsorth (ODan) noun

Unspeakable words. Certain words were considered so offensive, in particular to the recipient’s honour, that they warranted harsh penalties. These included accusations of treason, allegations of infidelity against a man’s wife or female relatives (Js Mah 24 andJó Mah 24), comparing a man to a female beast or accusing someone of being buggered (FrL Rgþ 35). SdmL stipulates further that location (e.g. assemblies, churches) be taken into account when assessing unspeakable words. The penalty for such insults was a fine up to full personal compensation (ON fullrétti). According to Gul Mhb 196 the injured party also had the right to avenge himself.

defamatory language OIce Jó Mah 24
insult OGu GL A 39
OSw SdmL Gb, Mb
OSw UL Rb (E-text)
OSw VmL Äb
invective ODan SkBL
OIce Js Mah 24
OSw BjR
OSw KrL Kgb Rb Add
OSw MESt Rb
opprobrious word OSw ÄVgL Rlb
OSw ÖgL Bb
OSw YVgL Rlb
verbal abuse ONorw FrL Rgb 35 Refs:

CV s.v. úkvæðisorð; Fritzner s.v. úkvæðisorð; KLNM s.v. ærekrænkelse