THANES
Noun
thanes
plural of thane
Anagrams
• Athens, hasten, snathe, sneath
Source: Wiktionary
THANE
Thane, n. Etym: [OE. thein, Þein, AS. Þegen, Þegn; akin to OHG. degan
a follower, warrior, boy, MHG. degen a hero, G. degen hero, soldier,
Icel. Þegn a thane, a freeman; probably akin to Gr. Þius servant, AS.
Þeón, G. dienen to serve.]
Definition: A dignitary under the Anglo-Saxons and Danes in England. 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. After the Conquest, this title was
disused, and baron took its place.
Note: Among the ancient Scots, thane was a title of honor, which
seems gradually to have declined in its significance. Jamieson.
Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition