lakan
lakán with stress marks
title of nobility (pre-Hispanic)
Usage Note
Lakan was a pre-colonial Philippine title for a male member of the datu (noble) class, equivalent to a lord or prince. It is now primarily a historical and literary term, appearing in scholarly texts, historical novels, and cultural reenactments of pre-Hispanic Filipino society.
Examples
" Pinuri ng bayan ang lakan. "
Natural Translation
The town praised the noble.
Literal Translation
Praised by-the town the noble.
" Matapang ang lakan. "
Natural Translation
The noble is brave.
Literal Translation
Brave the noble.
" Bago dumating ang mga Espanyol, isang makapangyarihang lakan ang namuno sa malawak na pamayanan sa tabi ng ilog. "
Natural Translation
Before the Spaniards arrived, a powerful noble led the vast settlement beside the river.
Literal Translation
Before arrived the [mga] Spaniard, one powerful [na] noble led in-the vast [na] community at side of-the river.
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