From Wiktionary, the free dictionary
From Norwegian linnorm.
linnorm (plural linnorms)
- A wingless bipedal dragon; a lindworm.
1964, Reidar Thoralf Christiansen, Folktales of Norway[1], →ISBN, page 42:Then the Linnorm (dragon) came. It is thirty ells long and has a mane on its neck.
2001 February 28, Helgraf Dragon, “Re: Watch out folks.............................please read . 7749”, in rec.games.computer.ultima.dragons, rec.games.computer.stars[2] (Usenet):Your scandinavian model was a wingless fellow, frequently called a linnorm, iirc.
2002, Jeff Grubb, Ed Bonny, Rich Redman, Steve Winter, Monster Manual II[3], →ISBN, page 142:The body of a gray linnorm is long, sleek and very snakelike.
2007, Chad Corrie, Gambit's End[4], →ISBN, page 35:He had been able to do what few others could - survive a meeting with the dread linnorm and better still, been able to trade with him as well.
From Old Norse linnormr (“constrictor snake”). Cognate to English lindworm and German Lindwurm (“dragon”).
linnorm m (definite singular linnormen, indefinite plural linnormar, definite plural linnormane)
- (folklore) A beast resembling a large, serpentine dragon; a lindworm