esne

[ ez-nee, -ne ]

noun

1. (in Anglo-Saxon England) a member of the lowest class; laborer.

Word History and Origins

Origin of esne¹

before 950; < Old English; cognate with Old High German asni, Gothic asneis day laborer, harvester, akin to asans harvest

Example Sentences

Neither colonus nor casarius nor the son of such is he, nor even esne, whose trade might win him privileges.

From Project Gutenberg

Then to Esne to return the visit of my amiable friend, the governor; him of the flowers.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• servant