frankpledge

[ frangk-plej ]

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.

frankpledge

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of frankpledge¹

1250–1300; Middle English fra ( u ) nkplegge < Anglo-French frauncplege. See frank ¹, pledge

Word History and Origins

Origin of frankpledge¹

C15: via Anglo-French from Old French franc free (see frank ) + plege pledge

Example Sentences

Headborough, Borsholder, and Chief-Frankpledge are three words which describe the same functionary.

From Project Gutenberg

It is not unlikely that the whole system of frankpledge grows out of this requirement.

From Project Gutenberg

The servants of the Crown were not, as now, bound in frankpledge for each other.

From Project Gutenberg

The sheriff held his turn twice a year and viewed frankpledge once a year.

From Project Gutenberg

A similar conclusion has been reached as to Canute's responsibility for the institution known as frankpledge.

From Project Gutenberg