What Does the Noun Thrymsa Mean?

Thrymsa (noun) refers to:

1. An Anglo-Saxon coin and a unit of money of uncertain value, used in England from the 7th century. It is thought to correspond to the Roman tremissis, a small gold coin.
2. In numismatics, the term thrymsa is used specifically to denote Anglo-Saxon gold coins, also called shillings, minted during the early medieval period.

Etymology

• The term thrymsa originates from Old English and is closely related to the Latin tremissis (meaning “a third part”), referencing its historical Roman connection.
• First recorded use: 1607, with mentions in historical and numismatic texts.

Pronunciation

• British English: /ˈθrɪmsə/ (THRIM-suh)
• American English: /ˈθrɪmsə/ (THRIM-suh)

Rhyming Words: Dilemma, schema, lemma.

Meaning & Use

1. Historical Coin

• The thrymsa was primarily a gold coin issued in the Anglo-Saxon era, often used as a unit of account and trade.

2. Money of Account

• The value of a thrymsa is often debated, but it is generally believed to have been equivalent to three pence or a small fraction of a pound.

Examples of Usage

1. “The thrymsa was a key currency in Anglo-Saxon England, showcasing intricate designs and runic inscriptions.”
2. “Historians estimate that a bishop’s weregild was equivalent to 8,000 thrymsas.”
3. “An exceptionally rare thrymsa fetched £17,500 at auction, underscoring its historical significance.”

Synonyms

• Shilling (historical context).
• Tremissis (Roman equivalent).
• Coinage (generic term).

Quotations

1. “His weregild was by law 30,000 thrimsas, a species of coin whose value is uncertain.” — David Hume, History of England (1761).
2. “Runic letters occur sporadically on English thrymsas.” — Numismatic Chronicle (1942).
3. “A bishop was on the same footing as an ealdorman, reckoned at eight thousand thrymsas.” — W. F. Hook, Lives of Archbishops of Canterbury (1860).

Cultural and Historical Significance

• The thrymsa is a symbol of early Anglo-Saxon society and commerce, reflecting both the influence of Roman coinage and the growing autonomy of English kingdoms.
• Its value was used to define legal compensations (weregild) for crimes, establishing it as a central feature of the Anglo-Saxon legal system.

Conclusion

The thrymsa serves as a fascinating artifact of Anglo-Saxon England, blending monetary utility with historical artistry. Though its exact value remains uncertain, its role in early medieval economies and its connections to Roman traditions offer valuable insights into the period’s culture and trade.