Middle English Dictionary Entry
hang-wīte n.
Entry Info
| Forms | hang-wīte n. Also angwite, hengwite, henwite, heingwite. |
| Etymology | LOE; also cp. ML hangewitha. |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
1.
Law The right to impose a fine for hanging a culprit without legal trial; also, an acquittance of amercement for such an offense.
Associated quotations
- (1192-9) Doc.in HMC Var.Col.7377 : De fertdwit' et de hengewit' et de flemenefremth.
- (1235) Chart.R.PRO1.208 : Angwite.
- (1247) Chart.B.Borough168 : Fridwite, fichtwite, heyngwite et leyrwite.
- a1275 Legal Gloss.Rothley128 : Hangwyte: Hoc est acquietancia pene suspensi latronis sine judicio.
- c1325 Legal Gloss.Gldh.(Gldh Liber Memorandum)455 : Hengwyte: Quite de merci pur laroun pendu sanz agarde.
- c1325(1090-1135) Leis Wm.I in Liebermann Gesetze 1 (Hrl 746)497 : Si quis latronem..sine..insecutione eius cui dampnum factum est, ceperit et captum ultra duxerit, dabit x solid. de henwite.
- ?c1350 Legal Gloss.Jul.(Jul D.7)33 : Hangwite: Quite de larum pendu sanz sergant.