mass-thegnn.
/ˈmasθeɪn/, U.S. /ˈmæsˌθeɪn/ Now historical.
In the Anglo-Saxon Church: a priest, esp. one regarded as having the same status as a thegn.
ΚΠ
OE Laws: Norðleoda Laga (Corpus Cambr.) v. 460 Mæsseþegnes & worldþegnes [wergild is] ii þusend þrimsa.
1614 J. Selden Titles of Honor 225 Archbishops, Eorles, Bishops, Ealdormen, Holdes, Hehgerefas, Messethegnes, and Werldthegnes.
1839 T. Keightley Hist. Eng. (new ed.) I. 83 The mass-thane or clergyman stood on a par with the world-thane or gentleman.
1845 J. Lingard Hist. & Antiq. Anglo-Saxon Church (ed. 3) II. xii. 252 The clergy were divided into two classes, one of inferior clerks in minor orders, and employed as lectors, cantors, acolythists, exorcists, and doorkeepers; and the other of clerks in holy orders, deacons and mass-thanes, whose office it was to minister at the altar, and to offer the sacrifice.
1962 H. R. Loyn Anglo-Saxon Eng. vi. 245 The mass thegns and altar thegns of the legal codes were men of some standing.
This is a new entry (OED Third Edition, December 2000; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
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n.OE- be telling
- be that as it may
- be the better
- be the business
- be the death of
- be the end of
- be the eyes and ears of
- be the firstest with the mostest
- be the goods
- be the grit
- be the judge
- be the judge of
- be the latter
- be the living proof of
- be the living proof that
- be the making of
- be the makings of
- beach cusp
- beach gown
- beach house
- beach hut
- beach naupaka
- beach party
- beach resort
- beach rest