Beowulf

English

Etymology

Learned borrowing from Old English Bēowulf, probably equivalent to bee +‎ wolf, though the first element is uncertain.

Pronunciation
  • IPA(key): /ˈbeɪoʊwʊlf/, /ˈbeɪəwʊlf/

Proper noun

Beowulf

  1. An Old English epic poem written circa 1025.
    John Gardner’s retelling of Beowulf is titled Grendel.
  2. (poetic) An Anglo-Saxon personal name, usually with reference to the hero of the poem, or to the poem itself.
    Beowulf is as great a hero as Sigmund.

Derived terms

Translations

Old English

Alternative forms

Etymology

Origin uncertain, perhaps from bēo (“bee”) +‎ wulf (“wolf”), literally “bee-hunter”, used as a kenning for “bear” or “woodpecker”.[1][2][3] Compare also the alternative form Beadowulf, from beadu (“battle”) +‎ wulf, which may be the original. Probably cognate with Old Norse Bjólfr (from earlier *Bíolfr, *Béolfr).

Pronunciation
  • IPA(key): /ˈbe͜oːˌwulf/, [ˈbe͜oːˌwuɫf]

Proper noun

Bēowulf m

  1. (poetic) Beowulf

Declension
Declension of Beowulf (strong a-stem)
Case Singular Plural
nominative Bēowulf —
accusative Bēowulf —
genitive Bēowulfes —
dative Bēowulfe —

References
  1. Traditions, Superstitions, and Folklore, (chiefly Lancashire and the North of England: ) Their Affinity to Others in Widely-distributed Localities; Their Eastern Origin and Mythical Significance by Charles Hardwick, 1872.
  2. Curiosities of Indo-European Tradition and Folk-lore by Walter Keating Kelly, 1863.
  3. The Saxons in England: A History of the English Commonwealth Till the Period of the Norman Conquest by John Mitchell Kemble, 1849.
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