1. a medieval merchant guild or trading association
Usage: historical
2. a confederation of merchant guilds and market towns in northern Europe during the late medieval period
Usage: historical; capitalized when referring to the Hanseatic League

Examples

• The hanse controlled much of the Baltic Sea trade in the 14th century.
• Merchants formed a hanse to protect their trading interests.
• The Hanseatic League was the most powerful hanse in medieval Europe.
• Each hanse had its own rules and regulations for trade.
• The hanse established trading posts throughout northern Europe.
• Membership in the hanse provided merchants with protection and privileges.