atheling, adeling, edeling, ethling, etheling

[A.S. Æthe ling = (1) the son of a king, a prince, one of the royal blood, the heir apparent, a nobleman next in rank to the king; (2) a ruler, governor, man. (Bosworth.).] [ADELING, ETHELING.] Properly, a title of honour belonging to the heir apparent or presumptive. It was first conferred on Edgar by Edward the Confe or, his grand-uncle, who bestowed it when he designed to make him succe or to himself on the throne. "Thral unbuxoum, Atheling brit heling." MS. Cott., Calig . , A. ix., f. 246 6. (S. in Boucher.)