vmbeþour

adv.

'round about' (Modern English )

Etymology

This is the only instance of this compound adv., formed from vmbe + þour. Most commentators follow GollCl (1384n) in comparing OIcel þori (n.) 'the greater part, main part', which fits with a gloss 'round about' that makes good sense in context. Note too the pp. v. vmbythoured 'surrounded, encompassed', known only from WA. The etymology of the OIcel word is obscure, but together with other formations on an unattested PGmc *þuraz, it is usually connected with Sk. turá 'strong, powerful, rich' (Orel, as well as even more speculative connections: see further de Vries and Mag.)

PGmc Ancestor

*þurōn-

Proposed ON Etymon (OIcel representative)

þori (n.) 'the greater part, main part'
(ONP þori, þorri (sb.))

Other Scandinavian Reflexes

Icel þorri

OE Cognate

Phonological and morphological markers

Summary category

B1c

Attestation

Hapax legomenon; see also vmbythoured (v.).

Occurrences in the Gersum Corpus

Cl 1384

On the sense in context, see further GollCl 1384.

Bibliography

MED umbethor (adv.) , de Vries þori, Mag. þori, þorri (1), Orel *þurēnan