atheling

American  

[ath-uh-ling, ath-] / ˈæθ ə lɪŋ, ˈæð- /

Or aetheling

noun

Early English History.

1. a man of royal blood; a prince.

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atheling British  

/ ˈæθɪlɪŋ /

noun

1. (in Anglo-Saxon England) a prince of any of the royal dynasties

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Etymology

Origin of atheling

First recorded before 1000; Middle English; Old English ætheling (cognate with Old High German ediling, adalung, Old Saxon ethiling ), equivalent to æthel(u) “noble family” (cognate with Old High German adoul, German Adel, Old Saxon athal(i), Old Norse athal “nature”; akin to Tocharian atäl “man”) + -ing noun suffix; see -ing ³

Example Sentences

And heroes were dashing; such an earl should be ever, An erst-worthy atheling, as �schere proved him.

From Beowulf An Anglo-Saxon Epic Poem by Hall, Lesslie

Their battle-shields placed they, Bright-shining targets, up by their heads then; O’er the atheling on ale-bench ’twas easy to see there Battle-high helmet, burnie of ring-mail, They were always ready for battle.

From Beowulf An Anglo-Saxon Epic Poem by Hall, Lesslie

“Nay, brother,” spoke Ethelfleda, who was of sterner mold than the atheling, “if the maiden hath promised it, the word should be kept.”

From A Maid at King Alfred?s Court by Madison, Lucy Foster

Now shalt thou of deeds famed, The atheling of single heart, with all thy main deal For the warding thy life, and to stay thee I will.

From The Tale of Beowulf Sometime King of the Folk of the Weder Geats by Anonymous

The warmen’s defender bade them to make him, Earlmen’s atheling, an excellent war-shield He orders an iron shield to be made from him, wood is useless.

From Beowulf An Anglo-Saxon Epic Poem by Hall, Lesslie