EALDORMAN Meaning and
Definition
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Ealdorman is a term with origins in Anglo-Saxon England, used to denote a high-ranking nobleman in the early medieval period. The term is derived from the Old English words "eald" meaning old or senior, and "mann" meaning man or person. An ealdorman was therefore an elder or senior officer, and in the context of Anglo-Saxon society, it referred to a leader or ruler of a shire or province.
In early medieval England, ealdormen were appointed by the king to administer various administrative and judicial duties on behalf of the crown. They were responsible for maintaining law and order, collecting taxes, and representing the interests of the king in their respective regions. Ealdormen were typically drawn from the ranks of the nobility, often being members of powerful aristocratic families.
The role of an ealdorman evolved over time, and by the 9th and 10th centuries, they also held military responsibilities, commanding levies of armed men in times of conflict. The authority of an ealdorman varied depending on the specific region, and their power and influence could be significant, particularly in regions where the king's authority was weaker.
With the Norman Conquest of England in 1066, the title of ealdorman gradually faded, being replaced by the Norman title of "earl." However, the concept of regional governance and administration that the ealdormen represented remained an integral part of the English political structure for centuries to come.
Common Misspellings for EALDORMAN
- waldorman
- saldorman
- daldorman
- raldorman
- 4aldorman
- 3aldorman
- ezldorman
- esldorman
- ewldorman
- eqldorman
- eakdorman
- eapdorman
- eaodorman
- ealsorman
- ealxorman
- ealcorman
- ealforman
- ealrorman
- ealeorman
Etymology of EALDORMAN
The word "Ealdorman" has Old English origins. It is derived from the combination of two Old English words: "ealdor" and "man".
"Ealdor" means "elder" or "chief" in Old English. It is related to the modern English word "elder", which refers to someone who is older and of higher rank or authority.
"Man" simply means "man" or "person" in Old English.
When combined, the word "Ealdorman" literally translates to "elder man" or "chief man". In the context of Anglo-Saxon and medieval English society, an ealdorman was a high-ranking nobleman or official who held a position of authority and leadership in a region or kingdom. They were responsible for governing and administering justice in their respective territories.
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