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wadalōn
Definition of "wadalōn" in Old High German
According to Gerhard Köbler's dictionary, "wadalōn" (or "wadalōn") is indeed attested in Old High German. Here's a breakdown of its meaning and usage:
Primary Meaning:
The verb "wadalōn" means "to wander, roam, or move about".
It conveys the idea of repetitive or habitual motion, similar to the English "to meander" or "to rove."
Etymology:
Derived from the Proto-Germanic root *wad-/wadaną ("to go, stride, wade").
The suffix "-lōn" is a frequentative marker, indicating repeated or ongoing action (e.g., sprangalōn = "to jump around repeatedly").
Related Terms:
"watan": The base verb meaning "to go, stride, wade."
"wantalōn": A variant with similar meaning (to turn/move repeatedly).
Usage Context:
The term likely described physical wandering (e.g., traveling without a fixed path).
It could also metaphorically describe mental or spiritual seeking (e.g., "wandering in thought")