Athel

Pronunciation

• IPA: /ˈæθəl/

Alternative forms

• athil, athill, hathill, hathel
• aethel, æthel

Origin

From Middle English athel, hathel ("noble", also "nobleman, hero"), from Old English æþele ("noble, eminent, aristocratic, excellent, famous, glorious, splendid, fine, costly, valuable, vigorous, lusty, young, pleasant, sweet-smelling, natural, congenial, suitable"), from Proto-Germanic *aþalaz, *aþaljaz, *aþiluz ("noble, of noble birth"), from Proto-Indo-European *átta ("father"). Akin to Old Frisian eþel, Dutch edel, German edel. Middle English form hathel due to conflation with Old English hæleþ ("hero"). See heleth.

Full definition of athel

Adjective

1. (obsolete or UK dialectal) Noble; illustrious

Derived terms

• atheldom
• atheling

Noun

1. (obsolete) A chief or lord.
2. (UK dialectal, Scotland) A prince or noble.

Anagrams

• lathe