Varangian

1 of 2

adjective

Va·ran·gi·an

vəˈranjēən

: of, relating to, or characteristic of the Varangians

Varangian

2 of 2

noun

plural -s

: one of the Scandinavians who founded a dynasty in Russia in the 9th century

: a member of the bodyguard of the Byzantine emperors especially in the 11th and 12th centuries composed chiefly of Russians or later of Scandinavians or other northern Europeans

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle Greek Barangoi, plural + English -an, adjective suffix

Noun

Middle Greek Barangoi, plural, Varangians (of Scandinavian origin; akin to Old Norse Væringjar Varangians, from plural of væringi confederate, from vārar, plural, pledge) + English -an, noun suffix