Danegelt, Danegeld
Black's Law Dictionary · Henry Campbell Black, M.A. · 1910
Black's Law Dictionary
A tribute of ls. and afterwards of 2s. upon every hide of land through the realm, levied by the Anglo-Saxons, for maintaining such a number of forces as were thought sufficient to clear the British seas of Danish pirates, who greatly annoyed their coasts. It continued a tax until the time of Stephen, and was one of the rights of the crown.
Wharton.