gefreoðode

gefreoðode is an Old English verb meaning "freed" or "liberated." It is the past tense, third-person singular form of the verb *gefriþian*, which itself derives from the noun *friþ*, meaning peace, protection, or sanctuary. The concept of freedom and protection was closely linked in Anglo-Saxon society, and *gefriþian* encompassed both the act of freeing someone from captivity or oppression and the act of protecting or defending them.

The verb *gefriþian* and its forms, such as *gefreoðode*, appear in various Old English texts, including legal documents, poetry, and religious writings. For instance, in heroic poetry, a lord might *gefreoðode* his warriors by defending them in battle, thus granting them safety and preserving their lives. In a religious context, God might be described as having *gefreoðode* humanity from sin or from the power of the devil. The legal use of the term often related to the granting of legal protection or exemption from certain duties.

Understanding *gefreoðode* requires an appreciation of the semantic range of its root word, *friþ*. This range highlights the interconnectedness of freedom, peace, and security in the Old English worldview. The verb's usage provides insight into the social, political, and spiritual values of the Anglo-Saxon period.