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The king. English Kings are of no royal descent; nor yet is the title always a mere nickname, like Caesar, Kaiser, Emperor, from the royal bearing or appearance of the original nominee. The fact is the progenitors of English Kings acted in that capacity in the numerous festival and mock ceremonials of mediaeval times. Besides the king and queen enthroned on May-day (who would maintain their regal title through the year, at least), there was the familiar 'King of Misrule,' whome every great nobleman possessed. 'Queen' also existed as a surname. That King should be so largely represented simply proves that every town and village had its festival, and that the 'King' was proud of his title; so were his children. Thus it became hereditary.
The primary sense is a head or leader. Gaelic, 'ceann;' Welsh, 'cun' and 'cwn,' a head, a leader. Saxon, 'cyng,' and nearly the same in all the Teutonic dialects.
The king. The Kings are of no royal descent; nor yet is the title always a mere nickname, like Caesar, Kaiser, Emperor, from the royal bearing or appearance of the original nominee. The fact is the progenitors of the Kings acted in that capacity in the numerous festival and mock ceremonials of mediaeval times. The King should be so largely represented now simply proves that every town and village had its festival, and that the 'King' was proud of his title; so were his children. Thus it became hereditary.
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