fjerding

Fjerding is a Norwegian word that historically referred to a quarter of a mark, a unit of currency and weight. Its exact value and usage varied over time and across different regions within Norway. In monetary terms, a fjerding was a small denomination, often used for everyday transactions. As a unit of weight, it typically corresponded to a quarter of a local pound or mark weight.

The term "fjerding" derives from the Old Norse word "fjórðungr," meaning "fourth part." This linguistic root highlights its consistent meaning as a fraction of a larger whole. While the mark itself ceased to be a primary currency unit in Norway long ago, the concept of a fjerding persisted in some contexts, particularly in historical records and descriptions of older economic practices.

In some instances, "fjerding" could also refer to a quarter of a farm's land or a similar division of property. This broader application of the term reflects a general historical tendency to divide resources and land into fractional parts for administrative or economic purposes. The understanding of "fjerding" often depends on the specific historical period and the context in which it is used, whether referring to currency, weight, or land.