Danegeld

 
Pronunciation: /ˈdeɪngɛld/

noun

[mass noun] historical
  • a land tax levied in Anglo-Saxon England during the reign of King Ethelred to raise funds for protection against Danish invaders.
  • taxes collected for national defence by the Norman kings until 1162.

Origin:

late Old English, from Old Norse Danir 'Danes' + gjald 'payment'