noun
also aeth·e·ling ˈathəliŋ, -th- ; or eth·e·ling ˈe-
( -s )
Usage: often capitalized
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English ætheling (akin to Old High German adalung nobleman, Old Saxon ethiling, Old Norse öthlingr ), from æthelu nobility, family, nature + -ling; akin to Old High German adal family, noble family, nobility, Old Saxon athal, Old Norse athal nature, disposition, offspring, Old English ōthel property, inheritance, Old High German uodal, Old Norse ōthal
: an Anglo-Saxon prince or nobleman ; especially : the heir apparent or a prince of the royal family