EALDERMAN Meaning and
Definition
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The term "ealderman" refers to an obsolete title and position in medieval England. The word itself originates from the Old English term "ealdorman," which can be translated as "elder man" or "elder statesman." An ealderman was a high-ranking official who held a position of authority and leadership within a geographic region known as a shire. The ealderman was responsible for representing the interests of the shire and maintaining law and order.
In Anglo-Saxon England, ealdermen served as local governors or magistrates and played a crucial role in administering justice, collecting taxes, and overseeing the general welfare of the region. They were appointed by the king or elected by a council of nobles, and their power and influence varied depending on the specific time period and region.
The position of ealderman gradually faded away after the Norman Conquest in 1066, as the new Norman rulers introduced their own administrative system. This English position was eventually replaced by the position of sheriff, who performed similar duties on behalf of the crown. Today, the term "ealderman" is mainly of historical relevance and holds no official position or significance in modern governance.
Common Misspellings for EALDERMAN
- dalderman
- ralderman
- 4alderman
- 3alderman
- ezlderman
- eslderman
- ewlderman
- eqlderman
- eakderman
- eapderman
- eaoderman
- ealserman
- ealxerman
- ealcerman
- ealferman
- ealrerman
- ealeerman
- ealdwrman
- ealdsrman
Etymology of EALDERMAN
The word "ealderman" is derived from the Old English term "ealdorman" or "ealdormann". It combines the Old English words "eald" (meaning old) and "mann" (meaning man). In Old English society, an "ealdorman" was a high-ranking noble or leader, often holding prominent positions within a shire or province. The term eventually evolved into "alderman" in Middle English, which referred to a member of a municipal governing body. It is worth noting that the definition and usage of "alderman" have changed over time in different regions and contexts.
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