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

Word History and Origins

Origin of witan¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of witan¹

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

Example Sentences

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

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg