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thane

noun
\ ˈthān How to pronounce thane (audio) \

Definition of thane

 (Entry 1 of 2)

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

geographical name
Tha·​ne | \ ˈtä-nə How to pronounce Thane (audio) \

Definition of Thane (Entry 2 of 2)

town in the state of Maharashtra, western India, north-northeast of Mumbai population 1,841,500
Other Words from thane Example Sentences Learn More about thane

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Other Words from thane

Noun

thaneship \ ˈthān-​ˌship How to pronounce thaneship (audio) \ noun

Examples of thane in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

 Fahey's swaggering thane falls apart easily once unmoored from his previous stance as a noble defender of Jack Hickey's Duncan. — Kerry Reid, chicagotribune.com, "First Folio delivers a 'Macbeth' to the fates and the night sky," 26 June 2017 It was settled 1,000 years ago, give or take, when the king gave land to one of his thanes, Earl Aelfheah. — Jennifer Moses, New York Times, "Travel Dispatch Newsletter," 7 July 2016

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'thane.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of thane

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for thane

Noun

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

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Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with thane

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about thane

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