Freke

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. An archaic term for a brave, strong warrior or a valiant man, found in medieval English poetry and romance
2. In older English writing, a bold fighting man or hero, especially one celebrated for courage in battle
3. A word from Middle English meaning a brave man, soldier or champion, often used in heroic verse

Etymology: Before "freak" meant an odd or unusual person, the English word "freke" meant a bold warrior. In Old English, "freca" named a daring, eager fighter, and the Proto-Germanic root behind it, "*frekaz", meant active, bold, desirous or greedy. The same root gave Old Norse "freki", a greedy one or a wolf, which shows how close the sense of eagerness sat to the image of a hungry beast. The Old English adjective "frēcne" carried the meanings dangerous, daring and courageous, so the family of words centred on boldness that could tip into recklessness. Old High German "freh" meant eager, linking the German branch of the family to the same sense of keen energy.