Noun
ceorl (plural ceorls)
(historical) An Anglo-Saxon churl.
(historical) a churl, a freeman ranked below a þegn but above a thrall
man
peasant
Source: en.wiktionary.orgA certain amount of social mobility is implied by regulations detailing the conditions under which a ceorl could become a thegn. Source: Internet
In the Migration period the standard weregeld for a freeman appears to have been 200 solidi ( shillings ), an amount reflected as the basic fee due for the death of a churl (or ceorl) both in later Anglo-Saxon and continental law codes. Source: Internet
However, slavery was not always permanent, and slaves who had gained their freedom would become part of an underclass of freedmen below the rank of ceorl. Source: Internet
On the other hand, a thane who thieved could pay a higher fine than a ceorl who did likewise. Source: Internet