eldning means envy; jealousy; suspicion. Lexicurio rates it Sui generis — a strength score of 87 out of 100.
Why “eldning” is a great word
ELDNING — [Noun] A state of envious or jealous rivalry, or the suspicion thereof, rooted in zealous emulation. From Middle English elning, elnung, from Old English ellnung, elnung ("encouragement, comfort, emulation, zeal, envy"), from elnian ("to emulate, strive, strengthen"), related to Old English ellen ("zeal, strength"). Equivalent to elne ("zeal, strength") + -ing (noun-forming suffix). Unlike "envy," which is a general, covetous discontent, or "jealousy," which fears the loss of a possessed affection, eldning is the specific, competitive heat of striving curdled into suspicion. It is the sharp glance across a council of thanes, the sudden silence between two painters before the same canvas, or the quiet, strengthening resentment that fuels a long campaign of one-upmanship—a forgotten word for the quiet corrosion of fellowship by striving.
Etymology
From Middle English elning, elnung, from Old English ellnung, elnung (“encouragement, comfort, consolation, emulation, hot emulation, zeal, envy”), from elnian (“to emulate, endeavor to be equal, be zealous, strive with zeal after another, make strong, strengthen, comfort oneself, gain strength”) (compare Old English ellen (“zeal, strength, power, vigor, valor, courage, fortitude, strife, contention”)), equivalent to elne + -ing. Cognate with Scots eldning (“jealousy”).
noun
- Envy; jealousy; suspicion.