frithstool

[ frith-stool ]

noun

1. (in Anglo-Saxon England) a seat in a church, placed near the altar, for persons who claimed the right of sanctuary.

Word History and Origins

Origin of frithstool¹

before 1000; Old English frithstōl, equivalent to frith peace, security (akin to Old Norse frithr, Gothic Frithareiks Frederick; friend ) + stōl stool

Example Sentences

There was a frithstool endowed with similar privileges at York Minster, and another at Durham.

From Project Gutenberg

A few years later Hexham was made a See, and the "Frithstool" still remains from the time when its cathedral received the right of sanctuary.

From Project Gutenberg