Middle English Dictionary Entry
flẹ̄mene(s-wīte n.
Entry Info
| Forms | flẹ̄mene(s-wīte n. |
| Etymology | OE *flēmena wīte; cp. flēma, flȳma a fugitive. |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
Note: Cp. flegin-wite.
1.
Law The right to impose a fine for harboring fugitives or outlaws, or a fine paid for this offence; also, the right to harbor fugitives for a fee.
Associated quotations
- (1199) Chart.St.Paul in RHS ser.3.5837 : Soluta & libera & quieta de omnibus geldis..& [de] hengwite & flemmeneswite & leyrwite & blodwite.
- (1209) Chart.R.PRO1.384 : Soluta et quieta de..flemenwyte.
- (1235) Chart.R.PRO1.208 : Flythwite..ferdwite..angwite..leirwite..flemeneswite..flemenesfremth.
- a1300-a1350(1227) Chart.Hen.III in RS 97179 : Hengwite et flemeneswite, leyrwite, blodwyte, fiȝthwite, et grithbreche.
- a1315 Legal Gloss.Glb.(Glb E.4)210 : Flemeneswyte. Quite de Merci pur sa feute et peus rent a la pes.
- 1662(c1350) Bk.Vale Royal in LCRS 68 (Hrl 2064)132 : [The same abbot..shall have] hengwyte, leyrwyte, flemeneswyte.
- 1662(c1350) Bk.Vale Royal in LCRS 68 (Hrl 2064)135 : [And by] flemeneswyt [he claims that, if any one take refuge..in the liberty aforesaid, with his goods, for any cause whatsoever, he shall dwell there in peace on making a fine with the abbot].