ceorl

[ chey-awrl ]

noun

, Obsolete.

1. churl ( def 4 ).

ceorl

/ tʃɛəl /

noun

1. a freeman of the lowest class in Anglo-Saxon England

Derived Forms

• ˈceorlish, adjective

Other Words From

• ceorlish adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of ceorl¹

before 1000; this form borrowed (17th century) < Old English

Word History and Origins

Origin of ceorl¹

Old English; see churl

Example Sentences

The Teutonic race had a myth which explained the origin of the classes eorl, ceorl and thrall (earl, churl and slave).

From Project Gutenberg

It was the 'ceorl' who lived on 'gafol land,' 172 and to pay gafol was to do service, though of a limited kind.

From Project Gutenberg

The ceorl obtains the thegnly wergild if he has an estate rated for military purposes at five hides.

From Project Gutenberg

This status seems to be hereditary; the thegns sons are dearer born than are the sons of the ceorl.

From Project Gutenberg

If the bishop often insisted on the letter of this severe rule, he must have reduced many a free ceorl to beggary.

From Project Gutenberg