Varangian

[ vuh-ran-jee-uh n ]

/ vəˈræn dʒi ən /

noun

any of the Northmen who, under Rurik, established a dynasty in Russia in the 9th century.

a member of the bodyguard (Varangian guard) of the Byzantine emperors, especially in the 11th and 12th centuries, made up of Northmen, Anglo-Saxons, and other northern Europeans.

adjective

of or relating to the Varangians.

Example sentences from the Web for varangian

On the way he turned aside to Polotzk, then held as a dependent fief by a Varangian named Rogvolod.

The Rise of the Russian Empire |Hector H. Munro
Glycerium responded, with a slight air of constraint, “Sigurd Olafson, the young Varangian captain.”

The Proud Prince |Justin Huntly McCarthy
For this purpose there was selected a young Varangian who, with his father, had adopted the Christian faith.

Historic Tales, Vol. 8 (of 15) |Charles Morris
Thus perished Sviatoslav, in spite of his Slavonic name a thorough type of the Varangian chieftain.

The Rise of the Russian Empire |Hector H. Munro

Its rulers were brave, their Varangian followers were courageous, the city was strong.

Historic Tales, Vol. 8 (of 15) |Charles Morris

British Dictionary definitions for varangian

Varangian

/ (vəˈrændʒɪən) /

noun

one of the Scandinavian peoples who invaded and settled parts of Russia and Ukraine from the 8th to the 11th centuries, and who formed the bodyguard of the Byzantine emperor (Varangian Guard) in the late 10th and 11th centuries

adjective

of or relating to the Varangians

Word Origin for Varangian

C18: from Medieval Latin Varangus, from Medieval Greek Barangos, from Old Norse Væringi, probably from vār pledge

BROWSE DICTIONARY

Learning

Varangian

noun

adjective

Example sentences from the Web for varangian

British Dictionary definitions for varangian

noun

adjective

Word Origin for Varangian