erlendri

erlendri is a grammatical form found in Old Norse and some modern Scandinavian languages, specifically Icelandic and Faroese. It functions as an indefinite plural adjective or pronoun. The word itself is derived from "erlendr," meaning "foreign" or "from abroad."

In its function as an indefinite plural adjective, "erlendri" describes a plural noun without specifying a particular group. For example, one might say "á erlendri löndum" in Old Norse, meaning "in foreign lands" (plural). This contrasts with definite forms that would refer to specific, known foreign lands. As an indefinite plural pronoun, it can stand in for "foreigners" or "people from abroad" in a general sense.

The use of "erlendri" highlights the grammatical complexity of these North Germanic languages, which often retain case and number distinctions that have been simplified or lost in others. While not a common word in modern spoken Swedish, Norwegian, or Danish, its roots and grammatical function are preserved in Icelandic and Faroese, offering a glimpse into the historical development of the language family. Understanding "erlendri" requires an appreciation for the declension systems present in older Germanic languages.