Main Entry: wer·gild

Pronunciation: \ˈwər-ˌgild\

Variant(s): or wer·geld \-ˌgeld\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English wergeld, from Old English, from wer man + -geld, alteration of gield, geld payment, tribute — more at geld

Date: 13th century

: the value set in Anglo-Saxon and Germanic law upon human life in accordance with rank and paid as compensation to the kindred or lord of a slain person