THANE Meaning and
Definition
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Thane is a noun that originated in Old English and refers to an official or a military leader in medieval Scotland or England. Historically, a thane was a nobleman who held a high-ranking position in the social and political hierarchy under the Anglo-Saxon and Viking systems of governance.
In medieval Scotland, a thane held a similar position as a nobleman and acted as a landowner, responsible for managing and protecting the land assigned to them by the king. They were expected to provide military service and support the ruling monarch.
The term "thane" is often encountered in literature, especially in works such as Shakespeare's Macbeth, where the character Macbeth is referred to as the Thane of Cawdor. In such contexts, the term represents a noble title or position of power.
In modern usage, the term thane is rarely employed outside the context of historical discussions or fictional works set in medieval times. While the title is no longer granted as an official position, it continues to be recognized as a historical title, reflecting the social landscape of ancient Scotland and England. The term's usage in contemporary discussions usually signifies a symbolic reference to a person of noble stature or significant influence.
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Among the Anglo-Saxons, a title applied to persons of dignity, being great landed proprietors.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for THANE *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for THANE
Etymology of THANE
The word "thane" has its origins in Old English. It is derived from the Old English word "þegn", which meant "servant" or "attendant". In medieval times, a thane referred to a man who held a rank or office in the Anglo-Saxon or Viking social structure. Thanes were often landowners or military leaders who served under a lord or king. Over time, the term "thane" became obsolete but continued to be used in Scottish and Scandinavian literature, which contributed to its preservation in the English language. The word "thane" also gained popularity through its appearance in William Shakespeare's play, Macbeth, where it is used to refer to the title character.
Similar spelling words for THANE
- Thoma,
- then,
- Thine,
- thin,
- thome,
- Than,
- thyme,
- thon,
- Them,
- Thiem,
- thm,
- thieme,
- theme,
- thone,
- Thanh.
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