frankpledge

Hist. A promise given to the sovereign by a group of ten freeholders (a tithing) ensuring the group’s good conduct.

• The frankpledge was of Saxon origin, but continued after the Norman Conquest. The members of the group were not liable for an injury caused by an offending member, but they did act as bail to ensure that the culprit would appear in court. They were bound to produce a wrongdoer for trial.

— Also termed borrow; laughe. See VIEW OF FRANKPLEDGE. Cf. DECENARY.

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词条贡献者

资深译员Lester，毕业于美国一流的高级翻译学院，专注翻译各种与复杂国际仲裁有关的法律文件。