1. A system of rules, introduced by the Danes during their invasions of England primarily in the ninth century and maintained principally in the midland and eastern counties where the invasions occurred. • Danelaw was the prevailing law in these regions from the reign of King Edgar to Edward the Confessor, who compiled a uniform law that included some Danelaw components.
2. The counties in England where the Danish law was enforced primarily in the ninth and tenth centuries.
— Also termed danelage; lex Danorum; denelage.
“The Danish invasions of the ninth century subjected the eastern parts of the island to new Scandinavian influences. Where the Danes conquered, their ‘Danelaw’ prevailed. The very word ‘law’ is believed to have been given to the English language by the Danes.” J.H. Baker, An Introduction to English Legal History 3 (3d ed. 1990).
