þridda

þridda is an Old English word meaning "third". It functions as an ordinal numeral, indicating position in a sequence. In Old English grammar, þridda would inflect based on gender, number, and case, similar to other adjectives and determiners. For instance, the masculine singular nominative form is þridda, while the feminine singular nominative might be þriðiu. The word derives from Proto-Germanic *\*þriðjô*, which itself comes from the Proto-Indo-European root *\*tr̥tyos*, meaning "third". This root is the ancestor of similar words in many other Indo-European languages, such as "third" in English, "dritte" in German, and "troisième" in French. Understanding the usage and etymology of þridda provides insight into the grammatical structure and linguistic development of the Old English language. It is a fundamental element for comprehending Old English texts, especially those dealing with order, chronology, or enumeration.