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witan

[ wit-n, -ahn ]

noun

, Early English History.
  1. the members of the national council or witenagemot.
  2. (used with a singular verb) the witenagemot.


witan

/ ˈwɪtən /

noun

  1. an assembly of higher ecclesiastics and important laymen, including king's thegns, that met to counsel the king on matters such as judicial problems
  2. the members of this assembly
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012


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Word History and Origins

Origin of witan1

1800–10; Modern English < Old English, plural of wita one who knows, councilor; akin to wit 2
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Word History and Origins

Origin of witan1

Old English witan, plural of wita wise man; see wit ², witness
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Example Sentences

The only other central authority in the state was the king's council or court (eod, witan, plebs, concilium).

The gate in the privet hedge of The Witan had had little rest all the afternoon.

But for all that she had not hesitated to use her "pull" in order to get him to The Witan that day.

The members of the Witan remained in attendance near the palace, hoping for some guidance from the dying king.

Persons of distinction, like the members of the Witan, wore a sugar-loaf shaped cap.

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