atheling

noun

ath·​e·​ling ˈa-thə-liŋ  -t͟hə- 

: an Anglo-Saxon prince or nobleman

especially : the heir apparent or a prince of the royal family

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English ætheling, from æthelu nobility, akin to Old High German adal nobility

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above