E. Cobham Brewer 18101897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Valkyriur or Valkyries.
The twelve nymphs of Valhalla. They were mounted on swift horses, and held drawn swords in their hands. In the mêléc of battle they selected those destined to death, and conducted them to Valhalla, where they waited upon them, and served them with mead and ale in cups of horn called skulls. The chief were Mista, Sangrida, and Hilda. Valkyriur means chooser of the slain.