The Dictionary - what do the words mean?

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Many like the historical accuracy but then fail to recognise the words. Let's avoid questions like "Who are the Saxons?"
I'm no big etymologist, but maybe people can chip in - ask questions - and we'll have a nice big list of explanations for the words in the mod.


Toponyms by Dante Borgia:


The Great Brytenwalda Dictionary of Toponyms
by Dante Borgia

*A*

Aber Lleu = Ross Low
Abercrdf = Abergavenny (?)
Aberlessic = Aberlady
Abermynwy = Monmouth
Aberystwyth = Still the same
Achadh Chuinnire = Achonry
Achadh Fharcha = Agheragh
Ached Bou = Aghaboe
Ached Fobuir = Aghagower
Ad Candida Casam = St. Ninian
Ad Cluanan = Possibly an insignificant village/ greater area with different name,  or no longer exists
Ad Gefrin = Ancient Palace complex now archaeological site
Aebbercurning = Abercorn
Aegelesburh = Aylesbury
Aemethyll = Ampthill
Aewiue = Possibly an insignificant village/ greater area with different name,  or no longer exists
Aidhne = Area south of Galway. Aidhne is coextensive with the present diocese of Kilmacduagh
Aileach = Grianan of Aileach
Aillinn = Dun Ailinne
Alne Ceaster = Possibly an insignificant village/ greater area with different name,  or no longer exists
Alwric = Possibly an insignificant village/ greater area with different name,  or no longer exists
Altitudo Mach = Armagh
Amwythig = Shrewsbury
Anava = Annan
Aporcrosan = Applecross
Ard Breacain = Ardbraccan
Ard Eachadha = Ardaghy
Ard Ladhrann = Ardamine
Ardea = Possibly an insignificant village/ greater area with different name,  or no longer exists
Arderydd = Arthuret
Ardudwy = Area in North-West Wales
Art-Muirchol = Ardnamurchan
Ath Berchna = Connacht, north-west of Croohan, near Bellanagare; OR it may be for Ath Bercha, in East Roscommon
Ath Cormac = Ford of Cormac
Ath Mor = Athlone (An Sean Ath Mor to be precise)
Ath an Tearmainn = Still has not been identified without doubt
Ath na Foraire = South Armagh
Athfolta = Atholl

_____________________________________________________________________________________

*B*


Badun = Somerset
Baile Loch = Strangford
Banesbyrig = Banbury
Bangor Is Coed = Bangor-on-Dee
Bartun = Barton
Barum = Barum Top
Beannchar = Still the same
Bebbanburg = Bamburgh
Benchoer Moer = Ecclesiastical settlement or monastic site at Bangor
Beolatun = Bilton
Beormaingasham = Birmingham
Berewic = Berwick
Biedcanford = Luton area
Boand = Balbriggan (?)
Boher Bue = Boherbue (Bothar Buí)
Both Domhnaigh = Bodoney
Boweseia = Bawsey
Brememium = Newcastle upon Tyne
Brycheiniog = Brecon
Buais = river Bush
Bucgan Ora = Bognor Regis
Buireann = Burren

____________________________________________________________________________________

*C*

Caeginesham = Keynsham 
Caer Baddan = Bath
Caer Caradawg = Church Stretton
Caer Caratauc = Cary Craddock
Caer Daun = Doncaster
Caer Didi = Cardiff
Caer Durnac = Dorchester
Caer Friddyn = Caermarthen
Caer Gofannon = Gofannon
Caer Guricon = Wroxeter
Caer Legeion guar Usic = Caerleon
Caer Legeonis = Caerleon-upon-Uisc (It's actually the same place as above)
Caer Liwelydd = Carlisle
Caer Lloyw = Gloucester
Caer Luit Coyt = Lincoln
Caer Magnis = Kenchester
Caer Manaw = Isle of Man
Caer Maunguid = Manchester
Caer-Meguaidd = Meifod
Caer Pentaloch = Possibly an insignificant village/ greater area with different name,  or no longer exists
Caer Peris = Portchester
Caer Rheon = Possibly an insignificant village/ greater area with different name,  or no longer exists
Caer-Riderch = Carrutherstown
Caer-Segeint = Caernarfon
Caer Sws = Caersws
Caer Uisc = Exeter
Caer-Wenddoleu = Carwinley
Caer Went = Caerwent
Caislen Credi = castle or temple of belief, possibly an insignificant village/ greater area with different name,  or no longer exists
Camulodunum = Roman city, no longer exists, archaeologists are still not sure of the exact location
Camus = Still the same
Cantaleah = Possibly an insignificant village/ greater area with different name,  or no longer exists
Cantmael = Queen Camel
Cantwaraburh = Canterbury
Cath Atho Dara = Adare
Cathair Chonroi = a place near Camp, Ireland
Cathures = Glasgow
Catraeth = Catterick
Ceasterfeld = Possibly an insignificant village/ greater area with different name,  or no longer exists
Ced = Possibly an insignificant village/ greater area with different name,  or no longer exists
Cetguelli = Kidwelly
Cetham = Chatham (?)
Chinesburie = Kingsbury
Cill Alaid = Possibly an insignificant village/ greater area with different name,  or no longer exists
Cill Chleite = Possibly an insignificant village/ greater area with different name,  or no longer exists
Cill Dara = Killdare
Cill Mic Creannain = Kilmacrenan
Cindgarath = Kingarth
Cinlipiuc = Cynllibiwg
Ciorrincg = Charing
Cippanhamme = Chipenham
Ciren Ceaster = Cirencester
Cisse Ceaster = Chichester
Clacc Inga Tun = Clacton-on-Sea
Cliath = Could be any village of the region
Clogher Mor = Clogher
Cluain Meala = Clonmel
Cogwy = Old Oswestry (Maes Cogwy)
Colne Ceaster = Colchester
Costessey = Still the same
Creic = Crayke Castle
Creodahanhyll = Credenhill
Cruaghan = Cruachan (Ráth Cruachan); a complex of archaeological sites near Tulsk
Cructan = Creechborough Hill
Crumbford = Still the same
Cuil Conaire = Well-known battlefield; Nowadays possibly an insignificant village/ greater area with different name,  or no longer exists
Cuilenross = Culross
Cuince = a mountain in Cualnge
Cyddaingastun = Possibly an insignificant village/ greater area with different name,  or no longer exists
Cymensoraham = Cymenshore

_____________________________________________________________________________________

*D*


Daire Calgaigh = Derry (Londonderry)
Denetun = Denton
Denisesburna = area near Heavenfield
Dewyddwella = Possibly an insignificant village/ greater area with different name,  or no longer exists
Din Baer = possibly Dunbur
Din Bych =Tenby
Din Draithou = Dunster
Din Eydin = Edinburgh
Din Erth = possibly Dinerth Castle
Din Hua nAmalgada = Possibly an insignificant village/ greater area with different name,  or no longer exists
Din Reghed = Dunragit
Din Tagell = Tintagel
Dinas Bran = still the same, a castle near Llangollen, Wales
Dinas Emrys = still the same, a fortress near Beddgelert
Dinefwr = still the same (sometimes anglicized as Dynevor), a castle near Llandeilo, Wales
Dinypas = Possibly an insignificant village/ greater area with different name,  or no longer exists
Dofras = Dover
Doirad Eilinn = Island of Jura
Dol = Possibly an insignificant village/ greater area with different name,  or no longer exists
Dol Ais = Possibly an insignificant village/ greater area with different name,  or no longer exists
Dos Is = Possibly an insignificant village/ greater area with different name,  or no longer exists
Dommoc = It is not certainly identified, it's placed within the modern county of Suffolk
Dorce Ceaster = Dorceaster
Druim Dergblathiug = Possibly an insignificant village/ greater area with different name,  or no longer exists
Drum Ceatt = Possibly an insignificant village/ greater area with different name,  or no longer exists, located east of Derry, Ireland
Du Glas = Possibly an insignificant village/ greater area with different name,  or no longer exists
Duin Baitte = Dunbeath
Duin Bolg = Bolg Fortress, Ireland
Duin Caillen = Dunkeld
Duin Foither = Dunnottar
Duin Ollaigh = Dunolly
Dumanyn = Dalmeny
Dumha Aichir = Possibly an insignificant village/ greater area with different name,  or no longer exists, well-known battlefield, located in Leinster
Dun Aberte = Dunaverty
Dun At = Dunadd
Dun Breattann = Dumbarton
Dun Buicead = Dunboyke
Dun Cethern = Giant's Sconce
Dun Chuile = Headford (?)
Dun Cuair = Located in Enfield
Dun Daig = Possibly an insignificant village/ greater area with different name,  or no longer exists
Dun Devenel = Possibly an insignificant village/ greater area with different name,  or no longer exists
Dun Duirn = located in Perthshire
Dun Iasgach = Munster
Dun Keltair = Downpatrick
Dun Nechtain = Dunnichen OR Dunachton scholars are still uncertain
Dun Sebuirge = Dunseverick
Dun Taruo = Possibly an insignificant village/ greater area with different name,  or no longer exists
Dun gCrot = fort at foot of Sliabh Grud
Dun na mBarc = Bantry Bay in Cork
Dwfr = Possibly an insignificant village/ greater area with different name,  or no longer exists
Dyvnwtdd = Possibly an insignificant village/ greater area with different name,  or no longer exists

_____________________________________________________________________________________

*E*


Earnningtun = Possibly an insignificant village/ greater area with different name,  or no longer exists
Eclesia Hyll = Possibly an insignificant village/ greater area with different name,  or no longer exists
Eglesfeld = Still the same
Egleshalh = Eccleshall
Eglwys Tysilio = Meiford
Ego = Possibly an insignificant village/ greater area with different name,  or no longer exists
Eifionydd = Still the same
Eldretune = Aldrington
Elfed = Possibly refers to Cynwyl Elfed
Elmwella = Possibly an insignificant village/ greater area with different name,  or no longer exists
Emain Macha = Navan Fort
Eoferwic = York
Erging = Possibly an insignificant village/ greater area with different name,  or no longer exists
Essovre = Ashover
Esterteferd = Bishop's Stortford
Ewias = (Ewyas) early Welsh kingdom which may have been formed around the time of the Roman withdrawal from Britain in the 5th century (the village is named after the valley)

_____________________________________________________________________________________

*F*


Faffand = Possibly an insignificant village/ greater area with different name,  or no longer exists
Fearr Leah = Possibly an insignificant village/ greater area with different name,  or no longer exists

_____________________________________________________________________________________

*G*


Genouhalh = Possibly an insignificant village/ greater area with different name,  or no longer exists
Gyppeswic = Ipswich
Gislheresuuyrth = Isleworth
Glouvia = Gloucester
Gobhan = Brigown
Grafrenn = Possibly an insignificant village/ greater area with different name,  or no longer exists
Grantebrycge = Cambridge
Grwst = Possibly an insignificant village/ greater area with different name,  or no longer exists affiliated with St. Grwst
Gyldeford = Guildford

_____________________________________________________________________________________

*H*


Halhfeax = Halifax
Hamtun = Still the same
Hanstige = Anstey
Hefenfelth = Heavenfield
Helfeld = Possibly an insignificant village/ greater area with different name,  or no longer exists
Herr Hlaw = The exact location is unknown, the name is composed by Herr (army) and hlaw (hill or burial mound), thus "The Hill of the dead Soldiers)
Hlew Ceaster = Possibly an insignificant village/ greater area with different name,  or no longer exists
Hreopedun = Repton
Hrofaes Ceaster = Rochester
Huensis = Possibly an insignificant village/ greater area with different name,  or no longer exists
Hyncaleah = Possibly an insignificant village/ greater area with different name,  or no longer exists
Hyrne Ceaster = Hernchester (?)
Hysetun = Possibly an insignificant village/ greater area with different name,  or no longer exists

_____________________________________________________________________________________

*I*


Ilea = Possibly an insignificant village/ greater area with different name,  or no longer exists
Imchlar = area near Donaghmore
Inderawuda = Beverley
Ir Ysgyn = Erskine
Irrus Domnann = the barony of Erris, in County Mayo
Isura = Possibly an insignificant village/ greater area with different name,  or no longer exists
_____________________________________________________________________________________

*L*


Lann Abae = Possibly Lundaff
Leim an Eich = Droichead
Leodridan = Leatherhead
Licidfelth = Lichfield
Ligor Ceaster = Possibly an insignificant village/ greater area with different name,  or no longer exists
Linnuis = Lindsey
Llan = Still the same
Llan Forfael = Lanfaire
Llan Heledd = Llanhilleth
Llan y Hadein = Llanhuadain
Llanerch = Llanerchymedd
LlangWern = Still the same OR Llanwern
Llangollen = Still the same
Llanidloes = Still the same
Llyn = The Llŷn Peninsula
Llys Pengwern = Possibly Whittington
Loidis = Leeds
Lois Mor = Lismore
Luachair = Caochan Luachair
Lugmud = Louth
Luimneach Laighean = area of Wexford
Luith Feirn = Possibly an insignificant village/ greater area with different name,  or no longer exists
Lundenwic - London
Lyme = Newcastle-under-Lyme (?)
_____________________________________________________________________________________

*M*

Maes CogWy = Maserfield
Maesmor = The same
Mag Liphi = Liffey
Mag Mucceda = an area near Navan Fort
Mag Tuired = in modern Irish Magh Tuireadh OR anglicised as Moytura or Moytirra; a battlefield
Mag uillin = Moycullen
Mageduac = Mugdock
Magh Gals = Possibly an insignificant village/ greater area with different name,  or no longer exists
Magh Rath = Well-known battlefield
Mercheham = Marcham
Merthyr Cynog = Still the same
Merthyr Tydfil = Still the same
Middelsburh = Middlesburgh
Moel Fryn = Malvern Hills
Monidhcrobh = Moncreiffe Hill
Morbeth = Morpeth
Mynyw = St. Davids
_____________________________________________________________________________________

*N*


Nisa = Possibly an insignificant village/ greater area with different name,  or no longer exists
Niwantune = Newton
Norwic = Norwich
_____________________________________________________________________________________

*O*


Opergelei = Apergele
Oratun = Possibly an insignificant village/ greater area with different name,  or no longer exists, means "from the sea"
Oxenaforda = Oxford
_____________________________________________________________________________________

*P*


Pabell = Possibly near Machynlleth
Pairc Mor = Possibly an insignificant village/ greater area with different name,  or no longer exists
Pen Rhionydd = located in Peniarth
Pencaer = Still the same
Pillgwynllwg = Possibly an insignificant village/ greater area with different name,  or no longer exists
Poclintun = Pocklington
Portesmuda = Portsmouth
Pulais = Possibly an insignificant village/ greater area with different name,  or no longer exists
_____________________________________________________________________________________

*R*


Rae Ban = Possibly an insignificant village/ greater area with different name,  or no longer exists
Raith Bec = Rathbeg
Rath Clochair = Possibly an insignificant village/ greater area with different name,  or no longer exists, also known as Rath Clochar
Rath Cormac = Rathcormac
Rath Luraig = Maghera
Rendlaesham = Still the same
Rhaeadr Gwy = Rhayader
Rhyd Ruth = Redruth
Ricestun = Possibly an insignificant village/ greater area with different name,  or no longer exists
Ruim = Still the same
_____________________________________________________________________________________

*S*


Sarimish = Possibly an insignificant village/ greater area with different name,  or no longer exists
Scythles = Possibly an insignificant village/ greater area with different name,  or no longer exists
Seals-ey = Solsea
Searoburh = Old Sarum
Sleamhain = Possibly an insignificant village/ greater area with different name,  or no longer exists
Sliab Culinn = Hollymount
Snetesham = Snettisham (?)
Swanawic = Swanage
_____________________________________________________________________________________

*T*


Taceham = Thatcham
Taddanleage = Tadley
Tairpert Boitir = Tarbert
Tamaris = Possibly an insignificant village/ greater area with different name,  or no longer exists
Tappingtun = Possibly an insignificant village/ greater area with different name,  or no longer exists
Tatessete = Tattersette
Temair = Area of Dublin
Theodford = Thetford
Tuidhidhean = Tynan
_____________________________________________________________________________________

*U*


Uaine = Area in Scotland
Urnaidhe = Urney
_____________________________________________________________________________________

*V*


Vernalis = Possibly an insignificant village/ greater area with different name,  or no longer exists
Vintan Ceaster = Winchester
_____________________________________________________________________________________

*W*


Waldham = Waltham (?)
Weargebuman = South Warnborough
Wellatun = Possibly an insignificant village/ greater area with different name,  or no longer exists
Weorthingtun = Worthington
Westarham = Westerham
Wicstun = Market Weighton
Winteringasham = Possibly an insignificant village/ greater area with different name,  or no longer exists
Wlencing = Lancing (?)
Wudetun = Wootton Bassett

____________________________________________________________________________________

*Y*


Ynas Towy = Possibly an insignificant village/ greater area with different name,  or no longer exists
Ynys Manaw = Isle of Man
Ynys Metcaut = Lindisfarne (?)
Ynys Môn = The Isle of Anglesey
Yr Wyn = Possibly an insignificant village/ greater area with different name,  or no longer exists




Additional toponyms by Iskar:

Ad Cluanan - Clunie, Aberdeenshire
Alne Ceaster - Alcester
Alrwic - Aldridge
Ath an Tearmainn - ancient place in county Roscommon, mentioned in synodal texts

Caer Pentaloch - Kirkintilloch
Caer Rheon - Cairnryan
Caislen Credi - identified with Scone, where the picts adopted christian belief, therefore "castle of faith"
Ceasterfeld - Chesterfield
Cill Alaid - Killala
Cill Chleite - Kilchlief
Caer Luit Coyt - Wall near Lichfield, obviously slightly misplaced on map; not Lincoln, which is to be identified with Linnuis
Caer Peris - Caer Beris near Builth Wells; not Portchester, which is situated in southern England, not in Wales
Crumbford - Cromford

Din Hua nAmalgada - Castle (Din) of Ui Amalghaid - ancient centre of the kingdom of Amalghaid, today's Barony of Tyrawley
Dinypas - clearly identified with modern Dunipace, but obviously misplaced on map (Dunipace is to the west of Edinborough)
Dumanyn - this one is misplaced too, Dalmeny, as it is called today, lies near Dunipace
Dol - Dull, near Perth
Dol Ais - Dallas, North Scotland
Dol Is - Dawlish
Druim Dergblathuig - "The Red Ridge of Blathuug", pictish battle site, actual place is unknown
Du Glas - Douglas, Lanarkshire
Dun Daig - Dundee
Dun Devenel - Dundonald(?)

Eclesia Hyll - Eccleshill
Elmwella - Elmswell

Faffand - a place in County Offaly, mentioned in Ancient chronicles

Grafrenn - ancient site north of Dunboyne

Huensis = Insula Huensis - Iona on Mull (on the map some water is missing depriving Mull of its island status)
Hyncaleah - Hinckley, Leicestershire
Hysetun - Histon
Hyrne Ceaster - Horncastle

Ilea - Isle of Islay

Ligor Ceaster - Leicester
Luith Feirn - historically recorded battle site, location is actually unknown

Nisa - Inverness(?), perhaps slightly misplaced on map

Oratun - likely to be Chipping Norton or Hook Norton, Norton being a corruption of Oratun

Pillgwynllwg = Gwynllwg - Wentlooge

Rae Ban - actually mythological site of the Cu Chulainn Saga
Rath Clochair - ancient centre of the barony of Rosclogher
Ricestun - perhaps Cyricestun, a place mentioned in Chronicles, relating to Aelfred of Wessex

Sarimish - this name was taken from the native game, for what reasons ever
Scythles - seems to be North or South Shields, though it would be heavily misplaced in this case
Sleamhain - Sleamaine, a hill in Co. Wicklow
Seals-Ey - Selsey

Tamaris - ancient Cornish settlement on the River Tamar, mentioned in the 7th century "Ravenna Cosmology"

Vernalis - ancient Cornish settlement east of Exeter (=Caer Uisc), mentioned in the same Chronicle as Tamaris

Wellatun - Welton
Winteringasham - Winteringham

Yr Wyn - Irvine, Ayreshire



The Brytenwalda Dictionary

A

Aberystwyth = Aberystwyth
Ad Gefrin = Yeavering
Aillt = Villager
Alne Ceaster = Alcester
Arras = Free men or nobles


B

Beadu rinc = battle man (if rinc means man?)
Bebbanburh = Bamburgh
Beormaingasham = Birmingham
Bernaccia = The most part of modern day Northumbria
Bonheddwr = Gentleman
Brenin = King


C

Caer Daun = Dorchester
Caer Didi = Cardiff
Caer Durnac = Dorchester
Cait = Caithness - Cait was the most powerful Pictish kingdom in the VII century, subjecting others (Pictland)
Cantwaraburh = Canterbury
Cantware = Kent
Ceither(ne) = A band or troops of levied soldiers. Anglicised to Kern
Colne Ceaster = Colchester
Cyning = king


D

Dena = Danish
Dinas Eidyn = Edinburgh
Din Tagell = Tintagel
Dofras = Dover
Dryhten = lord, master
Duguth = manly, honourable person, veteran
Dun At = Dunadd


E

Ealdorman = elder man = senator, member of the royal council
East Engla = East Anglia
East Seaxna = Essex
Engle = Angle
Eoferwic = York


F

Fresena = Frisian


G

Gaisgidh - Warrior (this is old Irish, the modern form is gaiscioch)
Gebur = Farmer, Dweller
Geneat = Companion, high ranking Ceorl. Meaning "One who enjoys (certain priviliges)"
Geoguth = Young man or untested warrior
Gesith = Companion, Follower
Gippeswic = Ipswich
Gosgordd = Escort, guard
Grantebrycge = Cambridge
Gwrda = Companion


H

Hearthweru = hearth - weru, someone who has the right to sit at the same fire (=hearth) as the noble family


K

Kotsetla = cot-setla = cottage settler, a free man who owns his own house


L

Lindisware = Lindisfarne
Loidis = Leeds
Lundenwic = London


M

Marcach - Horseman
Mierce (The March) = Mercia


O

Oxenaforda = Oxford
Ocaire = Another rank of farmer, one who owned seven of each of the major animals - cows, sheep and pigs.


P

Pedit = Footman
Portesmuda = Portsmouth


R

Hrofaes Ceaster = Rochester
Ri = King (Ard Ri = High King)


S

Saethydd = Archer
Salinae = Salt (mine)
Sceotand = Shooting, firing missiles
Scoti = Irish raiders
Seaxe = Saxon
Seaxna = Saxons
Suth Seaxna = Sussex


T

Taoiseach - Chieftain
Teulu = Family
Theow = Slave, unfree man
Tiarna = Lord (Ard Tiarna = High Lord)
Tywysog = Prince


U

Uchelwr = Nobleman
Udd = Lord


V

Varchogyon = horseman/knight
Vintan Ceaster = Winchester


W

Wylisc = Welsh



Interesting link to an Anglo-Saxon dictionary:
http://www.utexas.edu/cola/centers/lrc/books/asd/dict-L.html

English place names:
http://www.englishplacenames.co.uk/
 
Yes they were, Scoti in Gaelic translates as "the best" or "bravest" so the raiders used to call themselves with that name. Later they established the kingdom of Dál Riata along the west coasts of Alba, which eventually became the modern Scotland.  Although Scoti was initially used to refer to Ireland, the kingdom of Dál Riata became so strong that after a while only they were referred as Scots, merging eventually with the Picts.  :wink:
 
Wait, Grantebrycge is Cambridge? I thought it was Canterbury or something.

Edit, quick wiki disagrees, it is indeed Cambridge. Duh, I had even seen Cantwaraburh as well. :razz:
 
I found a formidable anglo-saxon dictionary on the web (http://lexicon.ff.cuni.cz/app/downloads.htm) and looked up some of those mysterious troop names:

gebur = farmer, in some german dialects, "buur" still means farmer
kotsetla = cot-setla = cottage settler, a free man who owns his own house
sceotand = shooting, firing missiles (such as javelins)
hearthweru = hearth - weru, someone who has the right to sit at the same fire (=hearth) as the noble family, comparable to the norse huskarls (= hus - karl, karl meaning man, there is a german colloquial word "kerl" meaning man even today). Those people usually served as lifeguard of the noble.
gesith = companion, follower
genaeta = troublemaker
duguth = manly, honourable person
dryhten = lord, master
ealdormen = elder man = senator, member of the royal council
cyning = king
beadu rinc = battle man(?) (couldn't find clear evidence of rinc meaning man, but it seemed highly likely from what i've read)
theow = slave, unfree man

This is as much as i could remember to look up without starting the game again. I'll be posting whatever additional i can find.
 
i know, there arent any huscarls, i just wanted to help make the meaning of hearthweru clearer. if you had asked a viking to translate hearthweru, he'd have said "huscarl".

oh, and i found another one:

geoguth = young, adolescent (the word youth etymologically derives from the part -guth)
 
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