ˈhan(t)sə, ˈhän(ˌ)zä noun
or hanse ˈhan(t)s, ˈhänzə
( -s )
Usage: usually capitalized
Etymology: hansa, from Medieval Latin, from Middle Low German hanse; hanse from Middle English hans, hanze, from Middle French & Middle Low German; Middle French hanse from Middle Low German; akin to Old English hōs company, Old High German hansa troop of warriors, Gothic, company, multitude
1.
a. : a merchant guild in a medieval town
b. : an association for trading in foreign countries ; especially : the league first constituted of merchants of various free German cities dealing abroad in the medieval period and later of the cities themselves and organized to secure greater safety and privileges in trading and mutual defense against foreign aggression either by law or arms
2.
a. : the entrance fee to a merchant guild
b. : the tax levied upon traders not belonging to a guild