dómsdrág

Dómsdrág is an archaic Icelandic noun meaning “the court’s precious thing” or “jewel of the court.” The word is a compound of dóm- meaning “court” or “judgment” and drág, a poetic or older form of “dear” or “precious.” In medieval and early modern Icelandic texts, dómsdrág is rare and typically used in a metaphorical sense rather than to denote a specific object. When it does appear, it tends to describe a valuable item associated with sovereigns or the judiciary—such as a ceremonial jewel, regalia, or a symbol of authority—emphasizing the connection between courtly power and tangible wealth.

Because dómsdrág is not part of standard modern Icelandic, attestation varies by source, and some editors treat it as a poetic construct rather than a fixed lexeme. Its interpretation is therefore context-dependent, and the term is often discussed within studies of archaic courtly language and Icelandic poetry.

See also: Dómur (judgment), regalia, archaic Icelandic vocabulary.