IN CAPITE Meaning and
Definition
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"In capite" is a Latin phrase that translates to "in chief" or "in head" in English. It is a legal term used in the context of feudal land tenure and refers to a type of landholding that is held directly from a central authority, usually the king or sovereign, versus being held from a lower-ranking lord or individual. In capite is often associated with the highest and most prestigious form of land ownership within the feudal system.
In the medieval period, land ownership was hierarchical, with the king or queen being the ultimate owner of all land in the kingdom. The concept of in capite denoted a direct relationship between the king and the landholder, who held the land directly from the sovereign.
This form of land tenure typically entailed specific obligations and rights for the landholder. They were generally expected to provide military service to the king and contribute to his financial needs, such as through taxation. In return, the landholder enjoyed certain privileges and protections, such as legal immunity in some cases.
Overall, "in capite" describes a type of landholding that signifies a direct link between the landholder and the highest authority within the feudal system, typically the king or sovereign. It highlights the hierarchical structure of land ownership in medieval times and the associated rights and responsibilities that were attached to this type of tenure.
Common Misspellings for IN CAPITE
- un capite
- jn capite
- kn capite
- on capite
- 9n capite
- 8n capite
- ib capite
- im capite
- ij capite
- ih capite
- in xapite
- in vapite
- in fapite
- in dapite
- in czpite
- in cspite
- in cwpite
- in cqpite
- in caoite
- in calite
Etymology of IN CAPITE
The term "In capite" has its roots in Latin. "In" means "in" or "into", and "capite" means "head". In Latin, this phrase referred to the holding of land directly from the king or a higher authority. It denoted a form of land tenure where a person held land directly from the sovereign, with all rights arising from that position. In English law, "in capite" came to signify the highest form of land tenure, often associated with the tenure of barons and other feudal lords.
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