gesith

Definitions

noun In Anglo-Saxon England, one of the comitatus or personal following of a noble, and especially of the king.

noun historical A companion to an athel or king in medieval England; a thegn; a comrade

From Old English ġesīþ ("companion, fellow, comrade; companion or follower of a athel or king"); equivalent to ge- +‎ sith.

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Your point about the gambeson is rather like the issue Alex raised about 'gesith' and 'thane' in the 5th/6th century.

Archaic terminology in historical fiction Carla 2006
So I personally wouldn't mind whether 'gesith' or 'thane' was used, because I doubt there's any conclusive proof either way.

Archaic terminology in historical fiction Carla 2006
The gesith stroked the snow-flecked gray of his beard.

THE RIVER KINGS’ ROAD Liane Merciel 2010
“Sir Gerbrand has raised the flag of revolt,” the gesith said.

THE RIVER KINGS’ ROAD Liane Merciel 2010
By the time the old gesith climbed up the tower stairs, other servants had brought platters of cheese, smoked meat, and black bread.

THE RIVER KINGS’ ROAD Liane Merciel 2010
“Galefrid did spend a great deal of money,” the old gesith agreed, dry as dust.

THE RIVER KINGS’ ROAD Liane Merciel 2010
“Now comes before you Lusian the Fat of Littlewood, who stands accused of murder,” announced Heldric, gesith of Lord Ossaric’s liegemen and most experienced in the ways of court.

THE RIVER KINGS’ ROAD Liane Merciel 2010
After the gesith had gone, Leferic sat alone in his library, rereading Inaglione’s Thirteen Graces for the thousandth time.

THE RIVER KINGS’ ROAD Liane Merciel 2010
"Taking treasure, and weapons and horses, and feasting in a hall with the king" is synonymous with thane-hood or gesith-ship in "Beowulf's Lay").

The Danish History, Books I-IX Grammaticus Saxo