cægl

Cægl is an Old English word that primarily refers to a small boat or skiff. It describes a lightweight, often open vessel, typically used for navigating rivers, estuaries, or coastal waters. The term suggests a vessel that could be propelled by rowing or possibly by a small sail. Historical texts sometimes use cægl in contexts implying swiftness or maneuverability, suitable for personal travel or the transport of light goods.

The etymology of cægl is uncertain, though some scholars propose connections to Proto-Germanic roots related to "boat" or "ship." Its usage appears in various Old English literary works and legal documents, providing insights into maritime activities and the types of watercraft common in Anglo-Saxon England. The size and specific construction of a cægl would have varied depending on its intended use and regional availability of materials. While not as large or as imposing as a longship or a merchant vessel, the cægl played a functional role in local transportation and communication networks. The word itself has largely fallen out of common usage in modern English, its meaning preserved in historical and linguistic studies.