Wergelds

lw wer;gild pronunciation: variant(s): or wer;geld function: noun etymology: middle english wergeld, from old english, from wer man + -geld, alteration of gield, geld payment, tribute — more at gelddate: 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