þegja

þegja is an Old English verb meaning "to be silent" or "to refrain from speaking." It is related to the modern English word "thee" and the German word "duchen," both of which have connotations of quietness or stillness. In Old English literature, þegja often appears in contexts where characters are expected to remain quiet, such as in the presence of a superior or during a solemn occasion. It can also be used to describe a deliberate act of silence, perhaps to conceal information or to meditate.

The etymology of þegja can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic verb *þagjanan, which also meant "to be silent." This root is thought to be related to the Proto-Indo-European root *tek-, meaning "to be silent." The word þegja gradually fell out of common usage in English, though its influence can still be seen in related words like "thaw" and "dusk," which evoke a sense of quietness and stillness. The concept of þegja, however, remains a significant one in discussions of Old English culture and language, reflecting the importance of silence and restraint in certain social and religious contexts.