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Bretwalda

noun
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Bret·​wal·​da | \ ˈbretˌwȯldə \
plural -s

Definition of Bretwalda

: the chief king in Anglo-Saxon England —used as a title in the Old English Chronicle for several kings said to have held supremacy over kingdoms beyond their own

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History and Etymology for Bretwalda

Old English bretwalda, brytenwealda, probably from Bryten Britain + -walda, -wealda (from wealdan to rule)

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Cite this Entry

“Bretwalda.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Bretwalda. Accessed 4 Jul. 2022.

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