frankpledge

American  

[frangk-plej] / ˈfræŋkˌplɛdʒ /

noun

Old English Law.

1. a system of dividing a community into tithings or groups of ten men, each member of which was responsible for the conduct of the other members of his group and for the assurance that a member charged with a breach of the law would be produced at court.

2. a member of a tithing.

3. the tithing itself.

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frankpledge British  

/ ˈfræŋkˌplɛdʒ /

noun

1. the corporate responsibility of members of a tithing for the good behaviour of each other

2. a member of a tithing

3. a tithing itself

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Etymology

Origin of frankpledge

1250–1300; Middle English fra ( u ) nkplegge < Anglo-French frauncplege. See frank ¹, pledge

Example Sentences

Richard II. granted still more extended privileges, and among others a view of Frankpledge within the borough.

From Curiosities of Great Britain: England and Wales Delineated Vol.1-11 Historical, Entertaining & Commercial; Alphabetically Arranged. 11 Volume set. by Dugdale, Thomas Cantrell

"What of Mr. Frankpledge, Mr. Quirk?" inquired Gammon, rather tartly.

From Ten Thousand a-Year. Volume 1. by Warren, Samuel

Thus reasoned within himself that astute person, Mr. Frankpledge; and at length satisfied himself that he had framed an instrument which would "meet the case"—that "would hold water."

From Ten Thousand a-Year. Volume 1. by Warren, Samuel

Mr. Gammon swore by Frankpledge, who had been at school with him, and was a "rising man."

From Ten Thousand a-Year. Volume 1. by Warren, Samuel

The courts, said Mr. Frankpledge, were now setting their faces strongly against the doctrine of Maintenance, as being founded on a bygone state of things: cessante ratione cessat et ipsa lex, was his favorite maxim.

From Ten Thousand a-Year. Volume 1. by Warren, Samuel