Etymology

Always derived from ON, cp. OIcel þrǽll 'thrall, slave' < PGmc *þraxilaz (in which case, cp. Verner variant OHG dregil 'servant') or *þranxilaz. SPS (69–7) observes that, phonologically, late Anglian OE ðrǣl could be derived from the former, where the diphthong developed from breaking has not undergone i-mutation, but has undergone smoothing; but in that case the short vowel suggested by the ME forms would require an ad hoc explanation. Thus ON derivation is more likely (and necessary to explain the vocalism, if < PGmc *þranxilaz). She explains the various OE by-forms by the process of integration of ON /ll/ from consonant cluster assimilation of nom. sg. -r: the long vowel is shortened before two consonants in OE ðræll (see also Bj. 19n, Dance 2003: 83n) or the geminated consonant is simplified in OE ðrǣl.

PGmc Ancestor

*þranxilaz or *þraxilaz

Proposed ON Etymon (OIcel representative)

þrǽll 'thrall, slave'
(ONP þrǽll (sb.))

Other Scandinavian Reflexes

OE Cognate

Phonological and morphological markers

[ON / ɑ:/ < PGmc */anx/] (may not be applicable)

ON consonant cluster assimilation

Summary category

A3c

Attestation

First occurs in late OE, mainly in contexts where Scandinavian influence is expected (see full analysis in SPS), then common and widespread from early ME.

Occurrences in the Gersum Corpus

Cl 135; WA 4520

Bibliography

MED thral (n.1) , OED thrall (n.1 and adj.) , HTOED , Bj. 19, SPS 69-70, de Vries, Mag., Orel *þraxilaz ~ *þraʒilaz, AEW ðrǣl