noun
- Plural of atheling; members of a royal or noble family in Anglo-Saxon England; princes or noblemen of royal blood.
Usage: archaic; historical
Examples
- The athelings of the Saxon kingdoms were trained in warfare and governance from childhood.
- Several athelings competed for the throne after the king's death.
- Historical records describe the athelings as educated in Latin and Christian doctrine.
- The young athelings were sent to the monastery to receive their education.
- Anglo-Saxon athelings often served as ealdormen, or regional governors.