Stæfre

Stæfre is an Old English word that generally translates to "staff" or "wand." Its usage in historical texts can refer to a variety of objects, including walking sticks, symbolical rods, or even weapons. The word's root is believed to be related to Proto-Germanic words denoting a sturdy stick.

In Anglo-Saxon England, stæfre could be associated with authority or status. For instance, certain officials or individuals of importance might have carried a staff as a mark of their office. The material and decoration of a stæfre could vary significantly, from simple wooden implements to more ornate objects crafted from precious materials, though surviving examples are rare.

Beyond its literal meaning, stæfre also appears in metaphorical or symbolic contexts within Old English literature. It could represent guidance, power, or even a connection to the spiritual realm in certain mythological or religious narratives. The precise interpretation often depends on the specific context in which the word is used. Its multifaceted meaning highlights the importance of such objects in the material and conceptual world of the Anglo-Saxons.