housecarl

American  

[hous-kahrl] / ˈhaʊsˌkɑrl /

noun

1. a member of the household troops or bodyguard of a Danish or early English king or noble.

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housecarl British  

/ ˈhaʊsˌkɑːl /

noun

1. (in medieval Europe) a household warrior of Danish kings and noblemen

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Etymology

Origin of housecarl

before 1050; Middle English; late Old English hūscarl < Danish hūskarl. See house, carl

Example Sentences

"Now is East Anglia mine in truth," he said; and with that he bade the housecarl fetch Curan, the cook's porter, to him.

From Havelok the Dane A Legend of Old Grimsby and Lincoln by Whistler, Charles W. (Charles Watts)

Odin, how good it is to meet a housecarl who speaks as man to man and does not cringe to me!

From Havelok the Dane A Legend of Old Grimsby and Lincoln by Whistler, Charles W. (Charles Watts)

Presently Erling came alongside me, leaving the housecarl to mind his comrade.

From A King's Comrade A Story of Old Hereford by Whistler, Charles W. (Charles Watts)

"Radbard Grimsson of Grimsby, housecarl just now to this King of Lindsey."

From Havelok the Dane A Legend of Old Grimsby and Lincoln by Whistler, Charles W. (Charles Watts)

"Our horses; and I have tended them, lord," said the rough housecarl, with a bit of a shake in his voice.

From A King's Comrade A Story of Old Hereford by Whistler, Charles W. (Charles Watts)