gesceaft

Meaning

1. creation

   Þas twa gesceafta habbað gesceadwisnysse and ælc man hæfð agenne freodom...

   These two creations possess reason, and every man hath his own freedom...

   late 10th century, Ælfric, "On Auguries"

2. creature

   Þa gesceafta ðe sind þwyrlice geðuhte, hí sind to wrace gesceapene yfel-dædum.

   The creatures that are thought monstrous have been created for punishment of evil deeds.

   c. 992, Ælfric, "The Octaves and Circumcision of our Lord"

3. institution, destiny

4. element (the four classical elements)

   Nis nān līchamlīċ þing ðe næbbe ðā fēower ġescēafta him mid, þæt is, lyft, ⁊ fȳr, eorðe, ⁊ wæter.

   There is no corporeal thing that is not made from the four elements, which are air, fire, earth, and water.

   c. 994, Ælfric, On the Twelve Winds

5. decree, destiny, fate, doom, condition

   onwendeð wyrda ġesċeaft · weoruld under heofonum.

   Kingdom of Earth is fully hardsome; the doom of outcomes changes the world under heavens.

   Eall is earfoðlīċ · eorþan rīċe;

Declension