ginn-

Old Norse

Etymology

From Proto-Norse ᚷᛁᚾᛟ- (gino-), ᚷᛁᚾᛡ- (ginᴀ-), from Proto-Germanic *ginn(ij)az, possibly related to *ginnaną (“to begin”), or *gīnaną (“to gape”). Cognate with Old English ġinn (“wide, vast”).

Prefix

ginn-

  1. (rare, Germanic paganism) great, holy, powerful
    ‎ginn- + ‎heilagr (“holy”) → ‎ginnheilagr (“high holy, sacrosanct”)

Usage notes

  • Only used in a few words of pagan religious significance. The exact sense is unclear.

Derived terms

  • gín (“gap, gape”)
  • gína (“to gape”)
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