witenagemot

[ wit-n-uh-guh-moht ]

noun

, Early English History.

1. the assembly of the witan; the national council attended by the king, aldermen, bishops, and nobles.

witenagemot

/ ˌwɪtɪnəɡɪˈməʊt /

noun

1. See witan
   another word for witan

Word History and Origins

Origin of witenagemot¹

1585–95; Modern English < Old English, equivalent to witena, genitive plural of wita councilor ( witan ) + gemōt moot

Word History and Origins

Origin of witenagemot¹

Old English witena, genitive plural of wita councillor + gemōt meeting, moot

Example Sentences

Dared you break the crust and bullyrag 'em—hot, fierce and angry, what wide beaks buzz plain Saxon as ever spoke Witenagemot!

From Project Gutenberg

The manor of Cheddar was a royal demesne in Saxon times, and the witenagemot was held there in 966 and 968.

From Project Gutenberg

The missionaries (like the Bishops in a Witenagemot) and the chief British officials are usually present.

From Project Gutenberg

It had always existed in one form or another, extending back continuously to the "witenagemot" of the Anglo-Saxons.

From Project Gutenberg

In the "great meeting" of the Witenagemot or Assembly of the Wise lay the rule of the realm.

From Project Gutenberg