n. An Anglo-Saxon advisory council to the king, composed of about 100 nobles, prelates, and other officials, convened at intervals to discuss administrative and judicial affairs. [Old English witena gemōt, meeting of councilors : witena, genitive pl. of wita, councilor; see weid- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots + gemōt, meeting (ge-, collective pref.; see kom in the Appendix of Indo-European roots + mōt, meeting).] |
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