gavelkind

[ gav-uhl-kahynd ]

noun

, English Law.

1. (originally) a tenure of land in which the tenant was liable for a rental in money or produce rather than for labor or military service.
2. a customary system of land tenure whose chief feature was equal division of land among the heirs of the holder.
3. the land so held.

gavelkind

/ ˈɡævəlˌkaɪnd /

noun

1. a former system of land tenure peculiar to Kent based on the payment of rent to the lord instead of the performance of services by the tenant
2. the land subject to such tenure
3. English law (formerly) land held under this system

Word History and Origins

Origin of gavelkind¹

1175–1225; Middle English gavelkinde, gavlikind, Old English gafel gavel ² + ( ge ) cynd kind ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of gavelkind¹

C13: from Old English gafol tribute + gecynd kind ²

Example Sentences

On the death of a freeholder his land was divided amongst his sons equally, according to what is called "the custom of gavelkind."

From Project Gutenberg

Gavelkind may be derived from gabel, a fork or branch, and the word is used in Ireland as well as in Kent.

From Project Gutenberg

It is taken from notes to the third edition of Robinson's valuable work on Gavelkind, p. 391.

From Project Gutenberg

It is more correctly described as socage tenure, subject to the custom of gavelkind.

From Project Gutenberg

The gavelkind or tributary tenure there was subjected to equal partition among the heirs.

From Project Gutenberg