A.Word.A.Day		About Us | What's New | Search | Site Map | Contact Us

Home Today's Word Yesterday's Word Archives FAQ

A.Word.A.Day--kenning Pronunciation: WAV or RealAudio kenning (KEN-ing) noun A figurative, usually compound expression used in place of a name or noun, especially in Old English and Old Norse poetry; for example, storm of swords is a kenning for battle. [Old Norse, from kenna, to know, to name with a kenning.] "... No queenly way for woman to practise, though peerless she, that the weaver-of-peace*3 from warrior dear by wrath and lying his life should reave! ... [Footnote 3: Kenning for `wife.']" Traditional, Beowulf: Part XXVI, (Translation: Gummere, Francis B.) Great Works of Literature, 1 Jan 1992. This week's theme: words about words. X-Bonus Those who give you a serpent when you ask for a fish, may have nothing but serpents to give. It is then generosity on their part. -Kahlil Gibran (1883-1931) [Sand and Foam]

Sign-up:   Subscribe   Gift Subscription   Address Change   Unsubscribe