The word "thearch" is an obsolete term meaning "ruler" or "lord." It is pronounced as "thē-ärk" with the first syllable rhyming with "me" and the second syllable being pronounced like the word "ark." The spelling of the word "thearch" comes from the Old English word "þēodcyning," which means "leader of the people." It was later shortened to "cyning" and eventually transformed into "king." While "thearch" is no longer commonly used, its roots can still be seen in modern English words such as "architect" and "monarch."
There isn't an exact dictionary definition for the word "thearch" as it is an archaic term that is no longer in common use. However, "thearch" can be inferred to be a combination of two words: "the" and "arch".
"The", in English, is the definite article used to specify a particular person or thing already mentioned or present in context, or to identify one that is unique. It is used before both singular and plural nouns.
"Arch" can refer to a curved structure that supports weight, such as a bridge or a doorway. It is typically made of stone, brick, or metal and typically supports the weight above it by distributing it outwards. "Arch" can also mean the highest point, peak, or pinnacle of something, such as the arch of a rainbow.
Therefore, "thearch" can be understood as a noun or noun phrase that implies a specific or unique arch, or the highest point or peak of an arch. However, it is crucial to note that "thearch" is not a widely recognized or frequently used term in contemporary English, and its meaning can only be inferred based on the individual meanings of its components.
The word "thearch" is a derivative of the Old English word "þēġerċe" (pronounced "thay-air-cheh"), which was derived from the Old English words "þēġe" meaning "servant" or "retainer" and "ċe" meaning "office" or "duty".
In Old English, "þēġerċe" referred to the position or role of a servant or retainer, particularly one who served a lord or a ruler. Over time, the word evolved into "thearch" or "thegn", which indicated a royal officer or a high-ranking servant under the king or other nobles.
It is worth noting that the term "thegn" became more prominent and widespread in the English language, while "thearch" is less commonly used today and has fallen out of regular usage.