in Anglo-Saxon England, a man holding lands from the king, or from a superior in rank. There were two orders, the king's thanes, who attended the kings in their courts and held lands immediately of them, and the ordinary thanes, who were lords of manors and who had particular jurisdiction within their limits. After the Norman Conquest, this title was no longer used, and baron took its place
in Anglo-Saxon England, a man holding lands from the king, or from a superior in rank. There were two orders, the kings thanes, who attended the kings in their courts and held lands immediately of them, and the ordinary thanes, who were lords of manors and who had particular jurisdiction within their limits. After the Norman Conquest, this title was no longer used, and baron took its place
Of these there were two orders, the king's thanes, who attended the kings in their courts and held lands immediately of them, and the ordinary thanes, who were lords of manors and who had particular jurisdiction within their limits
A title of dignity or honor among the Anglo-Saxons There were two orders - the king's thanes, or those who attended at his court and held lands immediately from him, and ordinary thanes, or lords of the manor After the Norman conquest thanes and barons were classed together, the title falling into disuse in the reign of Henry II
{i} freeman who was given land by the king or a lord in exchange for military service (formerly in England); lord and chief of a tribe (in feudal Scotland)
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) a feudal lord or baron
[ 'thAn ] (noun.) before 12th century. Middle English theyn, from Old English thegn; akin to Old High German thegan thane and perhaps to Greek tiktein to bear, beget.