thane

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Explanation of the Word "Thane"

Definition:
The word "thane" is a noun that refers to a man in Anglo-Saxon England who held a position above a common freeman but below a noble. Thanes were often landowners who provided military service to a king or lord in exchange for land and protection.

Usage Instructions

• When using the word "thane," it is important to note that it is a historical term and is not commonly used in modern English. You might encounter it in literature, especially in works about medieval history or in Shakespeare's plays.

Example Sentence

• In Shakespeare's play "Macbeth," the main character is introduced as the Thane of Glamis before he becomes the Thane of Cawdor and eventually a king.

Advanced Usage

• The term "thane" can be used in discussions about feudal systems, medieval history, or literature. It might be used metaphorically in modern contexts to describe someone who has a significant but not ultimate power in a hierarchy.

Word Variants

• Thanedom (noun): The state or condition of being a thane.
• Thaneship (noun): The rank or position of a thane.

Different Meanings

In modern English, "thane" does not have different meanings outside its historical context. However, it can sometimes be used in a metaphorical sense to describe someone who has a certain status or role within a group.

Synonyms

• Baron: A term for a nobleman, often used interchangeably in modern contexts.
• Lord: A title used for someone who has authority or control over a certain area.

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

There are no specific idioms or phrasal verbs associated with "thane," but you might find phrases that include related terms like "landlord" or "feudal lord" in discussions about hierarchy or power dynamics.

Summary

"Thane" is an important historical term that relates to the structure of society in Anglo-Saxon England.

Academic

Noun

1. 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)
2. a feudal lord or baron