Here are explanations for some of the words and phrases found in
Chapter 1 (Merkilegt Kvikindi). Please feel free to add to this
little list or post any quetions which you might have.

taka djúpt í árinni: use strong language; dip the oar deep in water.
blettur: spot, blot, stain; blur; plot; patch; blemish; moral defect
- here "spot" in the meaning "space"
veglegur: noble, dignified, magnificent, august; grand, stylish
burst: gable-head, apex of a gable; burst á svíni: bristle
þil: wooden partition, wainscot; þil(verk): paneling
mund: time; hand; í það mund, um þær mundir: at(by,about) that time;
í sama mund: at the same time
heimafyrir: at home
einstæðingsskapur: desolation, loneliness, bereavement; abandonment
þroski: maturity, ripeness; developement