varþpenningar (pl.) (OGu) noun

This is defined in Schlyter as an annual tax paid in Easter Week by each man on Gotland of age to bear arms and take part in military service. Comparison with other medieval Nordic laws, however, suggests that it might be the penalty for failing to keep watch properly, particularly since in the same chapter mention is made of those keeping watch paying their own expenses.

watch-money OGu GL A 54 Refs:

KLNM s.v. vård och vaka; Peel 2015, 184−85 note 54/2−4; Schlyter 1877, s.v. varþpenningar; SL GL, 287 note 1 to chapter 54