þrífask

þrífask is an Old Norse verb meaning "to clean oneself" or "to be cleaned." It is derived from the verb þrífa, which means "to grasp" or "to seize." The reflexive ending -sk indicates that the action is performed by the subject upon itself.

The verb þrífask appears in various Old Norse texts, including sagas and poetry. It often describes the grooming habits of characters, particularly warriors or nobles who would maintain a clean appearance. For example, in the Saga of Grettir the Strong, Grettir is described as þrífask in a stream after a long journey.

The concept of cleanliness was important in Old Norse society, and þrífask reflects this value. It could also carry connotations of being cleansed spiritually or morally, in addition to physically. The verb's usage highlights the practical and symbolic significance of personal hygiene in the Viking Age. While the direct translation relates to physical cleaning, its broader application can encompass a sense of renewal or purification. The verb itself is a testament to the linguistic richness of Old Norse in describing nuanced actions and states of being.