Old English

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Etymology

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Equivalent to ġe- +‎ fēra, literally “fellow traveler," related to the verb faran (to go, travel). Compare German Gefährte, of similar form and meaning.

Pronunciation

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Noun

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ġefēra m

  1. companion, comrade
    • 10th century, The Wanderer:
      oþþe mec frēondlēasne · frēfran wolde,
      wēman mid wynnum. · Wāt sē þe cunnað,
      hū slīþen bið · sorg tō ġefēran,
      þām þe him lȳt hafað · lēofra ġeholena.
      or friendless me would soothe,
      allure with glees. Knows the one who undergoes,
      how tough is sorrow as a companion,
      to whom little has dear confidants for himself.
  2. partner
  3. member

Declension

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Derived terms

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Descendants

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  • Middle English: fere