In Anglo-Saxon England, a warrior or nobleman of relatively high status who held land and served a king or lord.
From Old English gesith or gesiþ, related to Old Saxon gasith; likely from proto-Germanic meaning 'companion,' later evolving to mean a retainer or warrior in feudal hierarchy.
The word 'gesith' shows exactly how feudalism worked—it meant a guy who wasn't a king but wasn't a peasant, binding him to his lord through mutual obligation and land.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.