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

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

frankpledge

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

But the history of the frankpledge proper begins not earlier than the time of the Norman Conquest.

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

As a result, many manor courts were confined to seigneurial matters and could no longer view frankpledge or hear criminal cases, which were reserved for the royal courts.

From Our Legal Heritage by S. A. Reilly

The system of frankpledge prevailed in some English boroughs.

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

It policed the duty of frankpledge, which was required for those who did not have a lord to answer for him.

From Our Legal Heritage by S. A. Reilly

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