--- In norse_course@yahoogroups.com, "Patricia"
<originalpatricia@...> wrote:

>
> I preferred to call Bjorn independent realy because that would

imply he simply acted in self-interest frequently just like some od
our politicians


Presumably as adviser to the king, he gets plenty of opportunity to
excercise his "ill-given" nature. Hope that makes you happier? Of
course you jest about modern politicians who would never be so
wicked as to go around slandering folk...

> Incidentally I got selfwilled from Zoega, I'm sure, but he's back

on his shelf now and resting


Yeah, has other meanings when used as a normal adjective agreeing
with the person it describes, but this is a sort of impersonal
phrase with the adjective neuter. Zoega (my Zoega, that is, who
never rests!): sjálfráðr, a. (1) voluntary, of free will; (2)
independent, free; (3) neut., e-m er sjálfrátt "it is within one´s
power, easy for one".

> later you comment on my use of joy, I accept what you say but Joy

was in my book and liked it


Which book? Look forward to hearing more. I've found meanings
like "honour, respect; honours, gifts indicating respect; [worthy]
compensation."

> I will use freebooters next time.

(Thinks: Can I quote you on that in a court of law?)
Yes, "freebooters" sounds good to me. "corsairs", even, but that´s
a bit flowery.

> honum var allt illa gefit , yes I see that - there is a phrase in

Elizabethan English = "He was ill-given" it seems it means sulky or
a bit of a miz or impolite


Ah, you've taught me something there; I didn't know that (me being
very ignorant of all things Elizabethan). Just checked the OED
which sure enough says, "ill-given. a. Now only Sc. [Scots] Also
ill-gi'en. Addicted to evil courses or conduct; ill-disposed, ill-
inclined, malevolent." Sounds pretty much like what we're up
against here.

"Salust was...ill-geuen by nature, and made worse by bringing vp"
(1568).

"I's pestert wid an ill-gien weyfe" (1819).

"An ill-given, unserviceable kind of entity" (1866).

> my use of Woman was because she was a commoners wife
> Officers have their Ladies/Sergeants their wives and other ranks -

women

> it's a class thing !!!!

Crumbs. Must remember that next time I dine with Colonel Blimp,
Lord Cardigan, etc.

Llama Nom