1763, "Scandinavian poet and singer of medieval times," from O.N. skald "skald, poet" (9c.), of unknown origin, perhaps from PIE base *sekw- "to say, utter." The modern word is an antiquarian revival. "Usually applied to Norwegian and Icelandic poets of the Viking period and down to c 1250, but often without any clear idea as to their function and the character of their work." [OED]
[skawld, skahld] 
