Main Entry: thane

Pronunciation: \ˈthān\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English theyn, from Old English thegn; akin to Old High German thegan thane and perhaps to Greek tiktein to bear, beget

Date: before 12th century

1 : a free retainer of an Anglo-Saxon lord; especially : one resembling a feudal baron by holding lands of and performing military service for the king
2 : a Scottish feudal lord

— thane·ship \-ˌship\ noun