2. Hist. A letter branded on a felon who claimed benefit of clergy so that the felon could claim the benefit only once. • Additionally, those convicted for an affray (fray) or falsity were so branded.
“He that shall maliciously strike any person with a Weapon in Church or Churchyard, or draw any Weapon there with intent to strike, shall have one of his Ears cut off; and, if he have no Ears, then shall be marked on the Cheek with a hot Iron, having the Letter F, whereby he may be known for a Fray-maker or Fighter.” Thomas Blount, Nomo-Lexicon: A Law-Dictionary (1670).
“F, Is a Letter wherewith Felons, &c. are branded and marked with an hot Iron, on their being admitted to the Benefit of Clergy.” Giles Jacob, A New Law-Dictionary (8th ed. 1762).
