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

See Examples For:

copyhold

Thomas I., who held the barony from 1220 to 1243, showed his business foresight by letting a great deal of land on copyhold.

From Chaucer and His England by G. G. Coulton

The Rowington copyhold also? and perchance mine already?

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

Two years later there was a serious riot against the increase of copyhold.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 7, Slice 6 "Coucy-le-Château" to "Crocodile" by Various

FREEBENCH, in English law, the interest which a widow has in the copyhold lands of her husband, corresponding to dower in the case of freeholds.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 11, Slice 1 "Franciscans" to "French Language" by Various

Again, there are large properties, copyhold, or held under long leases from corporate bodies, the tenants having the right to shoot.

From The Gamekeeper At Home Sketches of Natural History and Rural Life by Richard Jefferies