- hansa
- n. (also Hanse)
1 a a medieval guild of merchants. b the entrance fee to a guild.
2 (also Hanseatic League) a medieval political and commercial league of Germanic towns.
Derivatives:
Hanseatic adj.
Etymology: MHG hanse, OHG, Goth. hansa company
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\\ˈhan(t)sə, ˈhän(ˌ)zä\ noun or hanse \\ˈhan(t)s, ˈhänzə\ (-s)Usage: usually capitalizedEtymology: hansa, from Medieval Latin, from Middle Low German hanse; hanse from Middle English hans, hanze, from Middle French & Middle Low German; Middle French hanse from Middle Low German; akin to Old English hōs company, Old High German hansa troop of warriors, Gothic, company, multitude1.a. : a merchant guild in a medieval townb. : an association for trading in foreign countries; especially : the league first constituted of merchants of various free German cities dealing abroad in the medieval period and later of the cities themselves and organized to secure greater safety and privileges in trading and mutual defense against foreign aggression either by law or arms2.a. : the entrance fee to a merchant guildb. : the tax levied upon traders not belonging to a guild* * *
/han"seuh, -zeuh/, n.1. a company or guild of merchants in a northern European medieval town.2. a fee paid to a merchant guild by a new member.3. Also called Hansa town, Hansetown. a town that is a member of the Hanseatic League.4. See Hanseatic League.
Useful english dictionary. 2012.