murdrum

[ mur-druhm ]

noun

, Old English Law.

1. the killing of a human being in a secret manner.
2. the fine payable to the king by the hundred where such a killing occurred, unless the killer was produced or the victim proved to be a Saxon.

Word History and Origins

Origin of murdrum¹

< Medieval Latin < Old French murdre murder

Example Sentences

In the so-called "Laws of Edward the Confessor" it is stated that the murdrum fine originated in the reign of Canute.

From Project Gutenberg

All murders were now punished alike because the applicability of the murdrum couldn't be determined since it was impossible to prove that the slain man had been English.

From Project Gutenberg

No fine if the defunct is English: "Pro Anglico vero et de quo constari possit quod Anglicus sit, non dabitur murdrum."

From Project Gutenberg

All murders were now punished alike because the applicability of the murdrum couldn't be determined since it was impossible to prove that the slain man had been English.

From Project Gutenberg

Whoy," said Mr. Saddletree, delighted at having for once in his life seen his wife's attention arrested by a topic of legal discussion—"Whoy, there are two sorts of murdrum or murdragium, or what you populariter et vulgariser call murther.

From Project Gutenberg