Ceorl

Maybe it's intended to reflect a real or imagined class difference, with the ceorl class cast as hobbits and the eorl class cast as Rohirric warriors. ❋ Carla (2007)

One compound of ceorl was the word ceorlstrang strong as a man, used to describe exceptional women and boys. ❋ Heo (2006)

If he did, he would know that the word churl OE. ceorl m. is historically, and currently, loaded with class distinction. ❋ Heo (2006)

He had said to himself again and again that her father was right; that the poor ceorl, Giles ❋ Unknown (2006)

The _gafolgelda_ or _tributarius_ (tribute-payer) seems to have been a ceorl who possessed at least a hide, while the _gebur_ was without land of his own, and received his outfit as a loan from his lord. ❋ Various (N/A)

The eorl and ceorl were the great distinctive appellations of noble and ignoble descent: none were or are admitted, it will be seen, to any important office in the coronation ceremonies but the former class. ❋ Giles Gossip (N/A)

Already in Æthelberht's legislation we find characteristic fines inflicted for breach of the peace of householders of different ranks -- the ceorl, the eorl, and the king himself appearing as the most exalted among them. ❋ Various (N/A)

Her eyes would call him -- without malice or intention, no doubt, but your early Briton ceorl or earl would be as well understood by her. ❋ Unknown (1907)

Hine sorh-wylmas lemede tō lange, hē his lēodum wearð, eallum æðelingum tō aldor-ceare; swylce oft bemearn ǣrran mǣlum swīð-ferhðes sīð snotor ceorl monig, ❋ Robert Sharp (1879)

Hine sorh-wylmas lemede tô lange, he his leódum wearð, eallum äðelingum tô aldor-ceare; swylce oft bemearn ærran mælum swîð-ferhðes sîð snotor ceorl monig, ❋ Robert Sharp (1879)

Cambridge itself, in the heart of the true English country, the charter of the thegn's guild, a late document, mentions a special distinction of penalties for killing a Welshman, "if the slain be a ceorl, 2 ores, if he be a Welshman, one ore." ❋ Grant Allen (1873)

Yet there were two changes which were widely felt: the growth of the king's authority, and the acceleration of the process which was reducing to bondage the ceorl, or simple freeman. ❋ Samuel Rawson Gardiner (1865)

From forest and field came in ceorl and theow, hanging up their weapons or agricultural implements around the lower end of the hall. ❋ Unknown (1863)

"They dared to say," replied the ceorl who had before spoken, "they had the sanction of the king." ❋ Unknown (1863)

The earlier burgher was the freeman within the walls, as the peasant-ceorl was the freeman without. ❋ John Richard Greene (1860)

Ye all know that this was the strongest violation of Saxon right; ye know that the meanest ceorl hath the proverb on his lip, 'Every man's house is his castle.' ❋ Edward Bulwer Lytton Lytton (1838)