A philologicall commentary, or, An illustration of the most obvious and useful words in the lavv with their distinctions and divers acceptations, as they are found as well in reports antient and modern as in records and memorials never printed : usefull for all young students of the law / by Edward Leigh ...

STEWARD.

Steward. This word is derived of two old words, Stede and ward, and it is as much to say, as a man appointed in my steed or place. And Seneschallus in Latin hath the signification: the Under-sheriff Subvicomes, in antient times was* 1.1 called Seneschallus vicecomitis, because he exer∣ciseth the place of the Sheriff himself, and there∣fore a great Officer of this Realm is called the great Steward, because the King appoints him in divers cases to exercise his place. By the Law, without speciall words, a Steward cannot make a Deputy, because his Office requires sciency, fidelity, and discretion.

Security of peace, Securitas de pace. Surety of the word Securitas, because the party that was in fear, is thereby secure and quiet. Lambert.

It is an acknowledgment of a Bond to the King, taken by a compent Judge of Record, for the keeping of the peace, Securitas de bono gestu suo, Surety of the good abearing, differs from surety of the peace in this, that whereas the peace is not broken without an affray, or battery, or such like; this surety, De bono gestu, may be broken by the number of a mans company, or by his or their weapons, or harness.

Surrender, quia sursum redditio, and it is of

two French words, Suise & rendre, a yeelding up of an estate again to his Lessee, or his assignee.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Cooks Rep. The Coun∣tess of Sa∣lops case, Seneschall is derived of sein, a house or place, and schal an Of∣ficer ••r Governour; some say that sen is an antient word for Iustice, so as Seneschall should signisie Officiarius Justitiae Cook on Lit. l. 1. c. 9. sect. 78.