muniment

American  

[myoo-nuh-muhnt] / ˈmyu nə mənt /

noun

1. Law. muniments, a document, as a title deed or a charter, by which rights or privileges are defended or maintained.

2. Archaic. a defense or protection.

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muniment British  

/ ˈmjuːnɪmənt /

noun

1. rare a means of defence

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Etymology

Origin of muniment

1375–1425; late Middle English < Medieval Latin mūnīmentum document (e.g., title, deed) for use in defense against a claimant, Latin: defense, protection, originally, fortification, equivalent to mūnī ( re ) to fortify + -mentum -ment

Example Sentences

The structure consists mainly of two rooms, or halls, placed one over the other, with reading, committee, and muniment rooms surrounding them.

From Old and New London Volume I by Thornbury, Walter

This document was found in the muniment room at Fulham Palace; it bears the seal of the Cromwellian Government and the signature of Bradshaw.

From The Romantic Story of the Mayflower Pilgrims And Its Place in the Life of To-day by Addison, Albert Christopher

He thought it improbable that, with General Sadgrove in the house and Azimoolah somewhere loose around it, any of the gang would break in unseen, still less that they would reach the muniment room.

From The Duke Decides by Hill, Headon

The large fire-proof muniment rooms on this floor, entered from the museum, are intended to hold the valuable archives of the City.

From Old and New London Volume I by Thornbury, Walter

The upper, now used as the dean's muniment room, has, like a similar example at Christchurch, Hants, no certain indication of its original use.

From Bell's Cathedrals: The Cathedral Church of Salisbury A Description of its Fabric and a Brief History of the See of Sarum by White, Gleeson