Serkland

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English

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Etymology

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Borrowing from Old Norse. The second element is clearly land (land). The first may be related to Saracen[1] (compare Ancient Greek Σαρακηνός (Sarakēnós), showing the /k/) or may be serkr (sark, gown) in reference to the clothing worn by the people of the region.

Proper noun

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Serkland

  1. (historical, in translations of Norse sagas and runestones) The Abbasid caliphate.
    He died in Serkland.

References

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  1. ^ Lee M. Hollander, Heimskringla: History of the Kings of Norway, page 581: "He proceeded with his army west to Africa, which the Varangians call Serkland [Saracen Land], and there he increased his strength greatly."