n.
Pronunciation: ' th ā n
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 \ - ˌ ship \ noun