Old English

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Alternative forms

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Etymology

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From Proto-Germanic *wurkijaną. More at modern work.

Pronunciation

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  • IPA(key): /ˈwyr.t͡ʃɑn/, [ˈwyrˠ.t͡ʃɑn]

Verb

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wyrċan

  1. to make
    • The Dialogues of Solomon and Saturn
      Saga mē, hū lange worhte man Noes earce?
      Tell me, how long were they making Noe's ark?
    • 9th century, Bald's Leechbook vol. I
      Mintan wel ġetrifulode menġ wiþ huniġ, wyrċ tō lȳtlum clīewene, lǣt forswelgan.
      Mix well-ground mint with honey, make it into a little ball, have it swallowed.
  2. to work

Usage notes

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  • An alternative metathetic past tense stem of wroht-/ġewroht also occurs.

Conjugation

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Derived terms

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Descendants

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  • Middle English: werchen, wirchen, werken