Pronunciations (2)
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/θeɪn/
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θeɪn
Noun
A rank of nobility in pre-Norman England, roughly equivalent to baron.
Usage- Historical
- Related words
- barongesith < ġesīþ
- Examples
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More examples (2)
Sonnes, Kinsmen, Thanes, / And you whose places are the nearest, know, / We will establish our Estate vpon / Our eldest, Malcolme, whom we name hereafter, / The Prince of Cumberland: […]
The Anglo-Saxon thanes were in all respects the predecessors of the Norman barons. The title of thane seems to have supplanted that of gesith, which appears only in the earner Anglo-Saxon laws, a denomination that may originally have designated the attendants or companions of the king, and whose wergild being triple that of the simple freeman, were, therefore, denominated not only gesithcund men, but six-hynde men.
The little island of Iona became the refuge of the sons and some thanes of Athelfrith, banished by Edwin.
Never need you fear for a single thane of your sept or nation, young warriors or old.
More examples (1)
2000, Wulfstan, Robert Boenig (editor and translator), Sermo Lupi ad Anglos, Anglo-Saxon Spirituality: Selected Writings, page 144, Although some serfs escape from their lord and turn away from Christendom to the Vikings and after this it happens that the clash of swords becomes common to thane and serf, if the serf utterly kills the thane, he lies unpaid by all of the serf's kin.
Noun
a feudal lord or baron
a man ranking above an ordinary freeman and below a noble in Anglo-Saxon England (especially one who gave military service in exchange for land)
- Broader terms