The word "Thegn" was commonly used during the Anglo-Saxon period to describe a freeman who held a high social status in the society. There were several other words that were used as synonyms to describe the same concept. Some of the synonyms for "Thegn" were eorl, gesith, ceorl, and cyninges þegn. Eorl was a term used to describe a high ranking nobleman in the society. Gesomebody was a term used to describe a retainer or follower of a king or lord. Ceorl was a term used to describe a freeman who was of lower rank than a Thegn and was often involved in agricultural work. Cyninges þegn was a term used to directly translate the word "Thegn" meaning "king's thane". These words, although synonyms, were used to describe different levels of social hierarchy during the Anglo-Saxon period.