copyhold

[ kop-ee-hohld ]

noun

1. (formerly) a type of ownership of land in England, evidenced by a copy of the manor roll establishing the title.
2. an estate held hold under such ownership.

copyhold

/ ˈkɒpɪˌhəʊld /

noun

1. 1. a tenure less than freehold of land in England evidenced by a copy of the Court roll
   2. land held in this way

Word History and Origins

Origin of copyhold¹

late Middle English word dating back to 1400–50; copy, hold ¹

Example Sentences

Acknowledgment money, in some parts of England, a sum paid by copyhold tenants, on the death of their landlords, as an acknowledgment of their new lords.

From Project Gutenberg

The very fact of copyhold thus gaining on villain socage may have pushed this last on towards freehold.

From Project Gutenberg

It is also termed privileged copyhold or copyhold of frank tenure.

From Project Gutenberg

Nominee, nom-in-ē′, n. one who is nominated by another: one on whose life an annuity or lease depends: one to whom the holder of a copyhold estate surrenders his interest.

From Project Gutenberg

This document was sealed with red wax, and endorsed:—“Sentence on a hog, executed by justice, brought into the copyhold of Clermont, and strangled on a gibbet at Avin.”

From Project Gutenberg