syssel

noun

sys·​sel

ˈsisəl

plural -s

: an Icelandic administrative district

Word History

Etymology

Danish, from Icelandic sȳsla business, work, activity, syssel, from Old Norse; akin to Old English sūsl misery, torment, torture, sēoslig afflicted, Old Norse sȳsl eager, painstaking, sjūkr sick

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

• More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
• Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
• Advanced search features
• Ad free!