Scalden

Part of speech: verb

Definitions

1. An archaic past participle of scald, describing skin or a surface that was burned by hot liquid or steam
2. Archaic form of the past participle of scald, used of something injured by boiling water or vapour
3. Old past participle of scald, referring to flesh or material that has been seared by hot liquid or steam

Etymology: "Scalden" is a verb meaning to burn with hot liquid or steam, and it comes from Middle English "scalden," which is the older form of "scald" with the -en ending typical of Middle English verbs. The "scald" root goes back to Old Norse "skalda," and the Old English word "scaldan" (or "scealdan") is cognate, but the surviving English form is shaped by Old Norse influence on northern dialects. The most surprising point is the meaning: the root word is linked to "skald," the Old Norse term for a poet, though the connection is uncertain. Scholars have proposed that the verb's sense of heat and burning may come from a Germanic root meaning "to scorch," while the poetic link remains unproven. The word "scalden" itself is an archaic or dialect form now rarely used; modern English uses "scald" in both the verb and the noun senses of injury from hot liquid.