# Bosworth-Toller's Anglo-Saxon Dictionary Online

> website, dictionary

**Wikidata**: [Q108169418](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q108169418)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/bosworth-toller-s-anglo-saxon-dictionary-online

## Summary
Bosworth-Toller's Anglo-Saxon Dictionary Online is a website hosting a digital version of the seminal Anglo-Saxon (Old English) dictionary compiled by Joseph Bosworth and expanded by Thomas Northcote Toller. It provides access to a foundational resource for Old English scholarship, combining historical linguistic data with modern online accessibility. The dictionary is a critical tool for researchers, students, and enthusiasts of Anglo-Saxon language and literature.

## Key Facts
- **Editors**: Joseph Bosworth (original compiler) and Thomas Northcote Toller (supplement contributor).
- **Website**: Hosted at https://bosworthtoller.com, with content in English.
- **Instance of**: Classified as both a "version, edition or translation" and a "website" on Wikidata.
- **Wikidata Description**: Formally described as a "website, dictionary."
- **Related Website Class**: Part of the broader "website" class, which originated in 1990 and has 158 sitelinks across Wikidata entries.

## FAQs
- **Who created the dictionary?** The original dictionary was compiled by Joseph Bosworth, with significant supplements added by Thomas Northcote Toller. The online version digitizes their combined work.
- **What languages does it cover?** The dictionary focuses on Old English (Anglo-Saxon), with the website interface and content presented in modern English.
- **Is it a standalone work?** No, it is a digital adaptation of a historical print dictionary, designed to make the original content accessible to modern audiences.
- **How is it classified?** On Wikidata, it is categorized as both a "website" and a "version, edition or translation," reflecting its dual nature as a digital resource and scholarly publication.

## Why It Matters
Bosworth-Toller's Anglo-Saxon Dictionary Online is indispensable for Old English studies, offering unparalleled access to a comprehensive lexical resource that underpins research in literature, history, and linguistics. By digitizing a work that was foundational to the field, the website preserves and disseminates critical knowledge that might otherwise be restricted to physical archives. It serves as a bridge between 19th-century scholarship and contemporary academic inquiry, ensuring the continued relevance of Anglo-Saxon studies in the digital age.

## Notable For
- **Seminal Scholarship**: The original dictionary is a landmark achievement in Old English lexicography, compiled by two of the field’s most respected scholars.
- **Digital Accessibility**: The online platform modernizes access to a historically significant print work, enhancing usability for global audiences.
- **Comprehensive Coverage**: It documents the vocabulary of Anglo-Saxon England, including rare and archaic terms, making it an essential reference for textual analysis and translation.

## Body

### History and Development
The dictionary originated as a print work compiled by Joseph Bosworth, a pioneering 19th-century scholar of Old English. Thomas Northcote Toller later expanded the work with supplementary materials, enhancing its scope and accuracy. The online version digitizes this combined corpus, though the exact launch date of the website is not specified in the source material. The broader "website" class, to which this resource belongs, emerged in 1990, reflecting the advent of digital platforms for scholarly content.

### Editorial Contributions
- **Joseph Bosworth**: A clergyman and scholar, Bosworth dedicated his career to studying Old English, producing the first major dictionary of the language.
- **Thomas Northcote Toller**: Building on Bosworth’s work, Toller’s supplements added depth and corrected earlier entries, solidifying the dictionary’s authority.

### Website Specifications
- **URL**: The dictionary is accessible at https://bosworthtoller.com.
- **Language**: Content is presented in English, catering to international researchers.
- **Classification**: On Wikidata, it is categorized as both a "website" and a "version, edition or translation," highlighting its role as a digital adaptation of a print scholarly work.

### Scholarly Impact
The online dictionary addresses a critical need for accessible, reliable Old English lexical resources. It supports tasks such as translating manuscripts (e.g., *Beowulf*), analyzing historical texts, and teaching Old English in academic settings. By consolidating Bosworth and Toller’s work, the website reduces barriers to entry for newcomers to the field while offering seasoned scholars a trusted reference point.

### Technical and Cultural Context
As part of the "website" class (incepted in 1990), Bosworth-Toller’s online presence reflects broader trends in academic digitization. The sitelink count of 158 for the website class underscores the proliferation of digital resources in scholarly ecosystems. This dictionary exemplifies how specialized knowledge can be preserved and revitalized through modern technology, ensuring its utility for future generations.