“We are told that the ancient heriot (heregeatu, military apparel) had at one time consisted of the horses and arms lent by the lord to his man which on the man’s death were returned to the lord…. Turning to manorial surveys, we find it among the commonest of customs that when a tenant in villeinage dies, the lord shall have the best beast; sometimes a similar due is taken from the goods of the dead freeholder, and it is to these customary dues that the name ‘heriot’ permanently attaches itself.” 1 Frederick Pollock & Frederic W. Maitland, The History of English Law Before the Time of Edward I 312, 317 (2d ed. 1898).
heriot custom. A heriot due by custom. • This term is used primarily to distinguish a heriot service from an ordinary heriot.
heriot service. A tribute arising from special reservation in a grant or lease of lands, and thus amounting to little more than rent.
