andþingaz

andþingaz is a reconstructed Proto-Germanic word meaning "assembly" or "council." It is the hypothetical ancestor of various Germanic words for similar concepts, such as Old Norse þing, Old English þing, and Old High German ding. These words all refer to a public gathering of free people, often for the purpose of legislation, judgment, or political discussion.

The Proto-Germanic form is reconstructed based on comparative linguistic evidence from the daughter languages. It is believed to have derived from the Proto-Indo-European root *ten-, meaning "to stretch" or "to extend," possibly with an original sense of extending a dispute or a matter for discussion. The suffix *-ingaz indicates a collective or a place.

The concept of the þing was central to early Germanic societies. These assemblies were where laws were made, disputes were settled, and important decisions were taken. The size and scope of the þing could vary, from local gatherings to larger regional or tribal councils. The presence and participation of free men were typically required.

The linguistic legacy of andþingaz is evident in numerous modern Germanic languages. For example, the English word "thing" can still refer to an object, but historically it also carried the meaning of a public assembly or a legal matter. In Scandinavian languages, the word þing (or its modern derivatives) continues to denote parliamentary or legislative bodies. The study of andþingaz and its descendants provides insight into the legal and political structures of ancient Germanic peoples.