muniment

American  

[myoo-nuh-muhnt] / ˈmyu nə mənt /

noun

1. Law. muniments, a document, as a title deed or a charter, by which rights or privileges are defended or maintained.

2. Archaic. a defense or protection.

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muniment British  

/ ˈmjuːnɪmənt /

noun

1. rare a means of defence

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Etymology

Origin of muniment

1375–1425; late Middle English < Medieval Latin mūnīmentum document (e.g., title, deed) for use in defense against a claimant, Latin: defense, protection, originally, fortification, equivalent to mūnī ( re ) to fortify + -mentum -ment

Example Sentences

Against this theory, however, it might be urged that the muniment room at the angle of the south-east transept is identified as the ancient treasury.

From Bell's Cathedrals: The Cathedral Church of Salisbury A Description of its Fabric and a Brief History of the See of Sarum by White, Gleeson

The upper, now used as the dean's muniment room, has, like a similar example at Christchurch, Hants, no certain indication of its original use.

From Bell's Cathedrals: The Cathedral Church of Salisbury A Description of its Fabric and a Brief History of the See of Sarum by White, Gleeson

In the light of Sprot’s real confessions, hitherto lying in the Haddington muniment room, we know the Indictment to be a false and garbled document. 

From James VI and the Gowrie Mystery by Lang, Andrew

Not only must the old feudal privileges go, but with them the old feudal grants, the charters of oppression in the muniment chests.

From The Life of Napoleon Bonaparte Vol. I. (of IV.) by Sloane, William Milligan

He thought it improbable that, with General Sadgrove in the house and Azimoolah somewhere loose around it, any of the gang would break in unseen, still less that they would reach the muniment room.

From The Duke Decides by Hill, Headon