[ˈeθɛlɹɛd]

Definitions

1. noun

a 10th-century king of England, noted for his ineptitude and poor governance, particularly in relation to the Viking invasions.

“The historians studied the reign of Ethelred, highlighting the mistakes that led to the Viking invasions of England.”

2. proper noun

referring to the specific historical figure Ethelred the Unready, a king of England from 978 to 1016.

“The medieval historian specialized in the life and reign of Ethelred the Unready, one of England’s most infamous monarchs.”