þéttuð

þéttuð is an Old Norse word with the primary meaning of "thickened" or "condensed." It is the past participle of the verb *þétta*, which means to thicken or condense. This term could be applied to a variety of substances, such as liquids becoming thicker or fog becoming denser.

The word can also carry a more figurative meaning of being dense, slow-witted, or stupid. This usage likely derives from the literal sense of something being "thick" or "heavy" in its composition, implying a lack of clarity or quickness of thought.

In historical texts, þéttuð might appear in descriptions of natural phenomena like weather, or in character assessments, offering insight into the author's perception of an object or person's state. The precise nuance of its meaning would depend heavily on the context in which it is used within the Old Norse sagas and literature. It is a linguistic artifact reflecting the vocabulary and conceptual understanding of the medieval Scandinavian world.