calpulli

American  

[kal-pool-ee] / kælˈpʊl i /

noun

plural

calpullis

1. History/Historical. a unit of social organization in pre-Columbian Aztec society consisting of an extended family or other group with shared interests who lived close together and shared some land rights or tribute responsibilities.

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Example Sentences

We thus recognize in the calpulli, or kindred group, the unit of tenure of whatever soil the Mexicans deemed worthy of definite possession.

From Houses and House-Life of the American Aborigines by Morgan, Lewis H.

The expanse held and occupied by the calpulli, and therefore called 'calpulalli' was possessed by the kin in joint tenure.

From Houses and House-Life of the American Aborigines by Morgan, Lewis H.

That the smaller subdivisions were those who held the soil, and not the four original groups, must be inferred from the fact that the ground was attached to the calpulli.

From Houses and House-Life of the American Aborigines by Morgan, Lewis H.

If, however, any calpulli weakened, through loss of numbers from any cause whatever, it might farm out its area to another similar group, deriving subsistence from the rent.

From Houses and House-Life of the American Aborigines by Morgan, Lewis H.

The custom always remained, that the "calpulli" was sovereign within its limits.

From Houses and House-Life of the American Aborigines by Morgan, Lewis H.