HERIOTABLE Meaning and
Definition
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Heriotable is an adjective that pertains to an ancient feudal law, particularly in Scotland and parts of England, related to the right of taking possession of the best beast from a deceased tenant's estate as tribute to the landlord. This term finds its origin in the Anglo-Norman word "heriot," which literally means a forfeit or tribute.
In the context of feudal law, it refers to the specific animal or property that was customarily demanded by the landlord upon the death of a tenant who held land on a heritable basis. The heriotable property was typically chosen by the tenant to be the best livestock or other valuable possessions, and it was then handed over to the landlord. This practice existed to acknowledge and pay respect to the landowner for granting the tenancy rights, and it also served as a means for the landlord to maintain control over their property.
Over time, the heriotable right evolved and was eventually modified or abolished in different legal systems. It holds historical importance as a symbol of the feudal relationship between the landowner and the tenant, and it serves as a reminder of the social and economic structures prevalent in medieval times. Nowadays, heriotable is mainly employed in historical and legal contexts to describe this specific form of tribute or forfeit.
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Subject to a tribute or fine.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for HERIOTABLE
- geriotable
- beriotable
- neriotable
- jeriotable
- ueriotable
- yeriotable
- hwriotable
- hsriotable
- hdriotable
- hrriotable
- h4riotable
- h3riotable
- heeiotable
- hediotable
- hefiotable
- hetiotable
- he5iotable
- he4iotable
- heruotable
Etymology of HERIOTABLE
The word "heriotable" has its origins in the Old English word "heregeatuwe", which combines "here" meaning "army" or "warrior" and "geatuwe" meaning "equipment" or "gear". In medieval times, a heriot referred to a tribute or payment that had to be rendered upon the death of a tenant or feudal vassal. This payment typically involved the surrender of the deceased's best horse or armor for use by the lord or superior. Over time, the term "heriotable" became associated with the right or liability to demand a heriot, thus referring to properties or lands subject to such a requirement.
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