1. a Scottish feudal lord or chief
Usage: historical
2. in medieval Scotland, a man who held land from the king or a superior lord
Usage: historical

Examples

• The thane ruled over his Highland territory with absolute authority.
• Macbeth was the Thane of Glamis before becoming king.
• The Scottish thane owed military service to his overlord.
• Many thanes gathered at the royal court for the ceremony.
• The thane’s castle overlooked the valley below.
• Shakespeare’s play features several Scottish thanes as characters.