heriot

[ her-ee-uht ]

noun

, English Law.

1. a feudal service or tribute, originally of borrowed military equipment and later of a chattel, due to the lord on the death of a tenant.

heriot

/ ˈhɛrɪət /

noun

1. (in medieval England) a death duty paid by villeins and free tenants to their lord, often consisting of the dead man's best beast or chattel

Word History and Origins

Origin of heriot¹

before 900; Middle English heriot, heriet, Old English heregeate, heregeatu, heregeatwa war gear, equivalent to here army + geate, etc., equipment; cognate with Old Norse gǫtvar (plural)

Word History and Origins

Origin of heriot¹

Old English heregeatwa, from here army + geatwa equipment

Example Sentences

The usher signed to Heriot to advance, and the honest citizen was presently introduced into the cabinet of the Sovereign.

From Project Gutenberg

George Heriot was courtier enough to say, that "the wise naturally follow the wisest, as stags follow their leader."

From Project Gutenberg

George Heriot could not exactly answer this question; but believed "the young lord had studied abroad."

From Project Gutenberg

Heriot, as he descended the stairs, met his cash-keeper coming up, with some concern in his face.

From Project Gutenberg

George Heriot rose from the table, observing, that wine-cups and legal documents were unseemly neighbours.

From Project Gutenberg