Geld Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ฐ
geld
[ษกษld ]
Definitions
money, finance
In a historical context, 'geld' refers to a type of tax or payment, especially in feudal systems. It is often associated with land tax or tribute. The term has also been used in a broader sense to represent wealth or resources.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The king demanded a geld from his vassals.
- In ancient times, the geld was a burden on the peasants.
- The medieval lord collected geld as part of tax obligations.
- The geld system was a way to maintain power and allegiance.
to castrate
In a veterinary and animal husbandry context, 'to geld' means to castrate a male horse or other animal. This process is done for various reasons, including health, behavior, and breeding control.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The farmer decided to geld the stallion.
- Gelding can improve a horse's temperament.
- It's common to geld young colts.
- Vets recommend gelding for better social behavior in some breeds.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Animal Husbandry
- Gelding a horse often leads to a calmer temperament, making them easier to train and handle.
- Many pet owners choose this procedure for dogs and cats to help reduce certain behavioral problems and prevent overpopulation.
Cultural References
- In ancient cultures, gelding was practiced for both practical reasons and as part of ritual sacrifices, highlighting its longstanding role in agriculture.
- Literature often mentions gelded characters symbolizing submission or loss of power, reflecting societal views on masculinity and control.
Legal Aspects
- Some regions have laws regarding the mandatory gelding of feral animals to control populations and protect local ecosystems.
- Veterinary guidelines often emphasize ethical considerations and pain management during the gelding process to ensure animal welfare.
Psychological Perspectives
- Studies suggest that gelded animals may exhibit less aggression and anxiety, leading to different social dynamics among groups.
- The process and its implications can also be a topic of debate regarding animal rights and ethics, raising questions about autonomy and natural behavior.
Origin of 'geld'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'geld' comes from the Old English 'geldan,' meaning to pay or sacrifice, reflecting its historical usage in farming and animal husbandry.
- In Middle English, the term evolved to specifically refer to the process of castrating male animals.
The word 'geld' originates from Old Norse 'gjaldr,' meaning 'payment' or 'tax,' which evolved as it integrated into Old English. It historically described various forms of tributes paid in feudal systems. The dual meaning of the term โ both relating to financial payments and animal husbandry โ reflects its usage in different contexts over centuries. The use of 'geld' to refer to taxation appears in medieval texts, highlighting its significance in governance and land ownership. It remains a term that has persisted in discussions about historical taxation methods, while in modern contexts, it has specialized in referring to the less common practice of animal castration.