kaupað

Kaupað is a term that appears in Icelandic sagas and medieval literature. It is generally understood to refer to a type of garment or cloak. While the precise nature and appearance of a kaupað are not definitively known, scholarly interpretations suggest it was a practical and possibly insulated outer layer suitable for the Icelandic climate. It may have been made from wool or animal skins, and its design could have varied. The word itself is thought to be related to the Old Norse word "kaupa," meaning to buy or trade, hinting at its potential status as an item of commerce. References to kaupað often appear in contexts describing travel, warfare, or daily life, emphasizing its utility. The term is not in common usage in modern Icelandic.