Thegnhood
/ˈθeɡn.hʊd/noun
The status or condition of being a thegn, an Anglo-Saxon or medieval English retainer or nobleman.
Did you know?A thegn’s rank was tied less to birth than to service and wealth, reflecting a society where royal allegiance could literally elevate a person’s social status.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Germanic
PGmc
*þegnaz
“Retainer, servant, or follower”
Old English
Old English
þegn
“A retainer, servant, or high-status follower of a king or lord”
Old English
Old English
þegn + -hād
“Thegn plus a suffix meaning state, condition, or rank”
Middle English
Middle English
thein
“A thegn or thane; a noble retainer”
Modern English
English
thegnhood
“The condition or status of being a thegn”