Aldhelm, son to Kenred, nephew to Ina king of the West Saxons, after having been educated abroad, was abbot of Malmesbury 30 years. He was the first Englishman who wrote in Latin, the first who brought poetry into England, and the first bishop of Sherburn. He lived in great esteem till his death, which happened in 709. He was canonized, and many miracles were ascribed to him. He is mentioned with great honour by Camden and Bayle, and his life was written by William of Malmesbury.

Adelphian, in Church History, a sect of ancient heretics, who fasted always on Sundays.

Adeliscalc, in Ancient Customs, denotes a servant of the king. The word is also written adeliscalche, and adeliscalceus. It is compounded of the German ancil, or edel, "noble," and seale, "servant." Among the Bavarians, adeliscalces appear to have been the same with royal thanes among the Saxons, and those called ministri regis in ancient charters.

Aemption, in the Civil Law, implies the revocation of a grant, donation, or the like.