þrfald

þrfald is a Danish word that translates to "thrice" or "threefold" in English. It indicates something happening or being made up of three times or three parts. The word is derived from the Old Norse word "þrír," meaning "three," and "fald," related to "fold" or "times."

In historical contexts, þrfald might appear in legal documents, sagas, or chronicles to denote a repetition or a division into three. For example, a punishment might be described as "þrfald," meaning it was applied three times. Similarly, it could be used in descriptions of lineage or inheritance, indicating a division among three heirs.

While less common in modern everyday Danish, the word can still be encountered in more formal or literary settings. Its usage underscores the concept of multiplicity and division by the number three. The distinct character "þ" (thorn) is a remnant of the Old Norse alphabet, still preserved in Icelandic and sometimes found in historical Danish texts, adding to the word's archaic feel. Understanding þrfald provides a glimpse into the structure and expression of older Germanic languages and their influence on modern Scandinavian tongues.