copyhold

American  

[kop-ee-hohld] / ˈkɒp iˌhoʊld /

noun

1. (formerly) a type of ownership of land in England, evidenced by a copy of the manor roll establishing the title.

2. an estate held under such ownership.

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copyhold British  

/ ˈkɒpɪˌhəʊld /

noun

1. 1. a tenure less than freehold of land in England evidenced by a copy of the Court roll

   2. land held in this way

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Etymology

Origin of copyhold

late Middle English word dating back to 1400–50; see origin at copy, hold ¹

Example Sentences

Hired labourers and farmers take the place of villains, and the villain's holding is turned into a copyhold and protected by law.

From Villainage in England Essays in English Mediaeval History by Vinogradoff, Paul

The mode in which copyhold land is transferred from one person to another still retains much of the primitive simplicity of bygone ages.

From Legal Lore Curiosities of Law and Lawyers by Various

It is also termed privileged copyhold or copyhold of frank tenure.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 7, Slice 8 "Cube" to "Daguerre, Louis" by Various

Such was the rise of the copyhold estate of modern times.

From Villainage in England Essays in English Mediaeval History by Vinogradoff, Paul

The Rowington copyhold also? and perchance mine already?

From Judith Shakespeare Her love affairs and other adventures by Black, William