varþmaþer (OSw) varðmaðr (ON) vardhman (OSw) noun

A general term for watchman or guard. The context of Grg Misc 248 suggests that there was some form of organized watch in Norwegian trading centres (ON kaupangar, see köpunger). In HL Kgb:IX it is specified that guardsmen had to be householders and residents, not vagrants (OSw löskæ mæn, see löska). HL Kgb:IX also makes mention of where guards could be posted, including the hills (OSw bærgvarþer), headlands (OSw næsiavarþer) and at harbours. Concerning the last, SdmL Kgb:XII stipulates that a varþmaþer watching over a ship was liable to pay a fine if something were stolen from it. According to other sources, townsmen had a guard duty and were equipped with weapons and armour when patrolling the town at night as well as aiding in fire fighting and defence against enemies.


guard OSw HL Kgb
OSw MESt Bb Add
OSw SdmL Kgb

warden OIce Grg Misc 248 Refs:

CV; Dahlbäck 1988, 64; Fritzner; GrgTr II:211; Hertzberg

Citation
  • ‘varþmaþer’. A Lexicon of Medieval Nordic Law.

  • http://www.dhi.ac.uk/lmnl/nordicheadword/displayPage/5727
    (03/28/2024)