wæfian

Wæfian is an Old English verb with the primary meaning of "to weave". It describes the action of interlacing threads or fibers to create fabric. This fundamental craft was essential in Anglo-Saxon society for producing clothing, tapestries, and other household textiles. The verb can also be used in a more figurative sense to mean "to wander" or "to stray," suggesting a weaving or meandering movement.

The etymology of wæfian connects to Proto-Germanic *waibōną, which also relates to the act of weaving. Related words can be found in other Germanic languages, highlighting the shared linguistic roots of this concept. The past tense of wæfian is "wæfde" and the past participle is "gewæfed".

In surviving Old English texts, such as Beowulf and the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, "wæfian" appears in contexts discussing the production of cloth and, less frequently, in descriptions of movement. The skill of weaving was highly valued, and the verb "wæfian" encapsulates this important domestic and artisanal activity. Its dual meaning reflects the physical act of interlacing threads and the metaphorical idea of following a winding or indirect path.