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

In a formal fashion courts leet for the view of frankpledge were held in the time of the jurist Selden, and a few of these have survived until the present day.

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

The hall was used for meals and meetings at which the lord received homages, recovered fees, and held the view of frankpledge.

From Our Legal Heritage by Reilly, S. A.

Sir F. Palgrave has asserted that the view of frankpledge was unknown in that part of the country which had been included in the kingdom of Northumbria.

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

As the word frankpledge denotes, these societies were originally concerned only with freemen; but the unfree were afterwards admitted, and during the 13th century the frankpledges were composed chiefly of villains.

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

At the end of the same century the court for the view of frankpledge was generally known as the court leet, and was usually a manorial court in private hands.

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