kenning
/ˈkɛnɪŋ/
noun
- A figurative compound expression used in Old Norse and Old English poetry, especially as a metaphor for a common thing (e.g., 'whale-road' for the sea).
- The teacher explained that 'bone-house' is a kenning for the human body.
- In the poem, 'swan-road' is a kenning for the ocean.
- Students wrote their own kennings, like 'book-worm' for a reader.