headling

English

Etymology 1

From Middle English hedling, hevedling, from Old English hēafodling (“an equal, fellow-servant”), equivalent to head +‎ -ling. Cognate with German Häuptling (“chief, chieftain”).

Noun

headling (plural headlings)

1. (obsolete, rare) An equal; a fellow; mate.
2. (obsolete, rare) A chieftain.

Etymology 2

From Middle English hedling, heedling, hevedlynge (“headlong”), equivalent to head +‎ -ling. Cognate with Scots heidlingis (“headlong”), Middle High German houbetlingen (“headlong”).

Alternative forms

• headlings

Adverb

headling (not comparable)

1. Headlong; precipitately.

Anagrams

• healding