Middle English Dictionary Entry
marque n.
Entry Info
| Forms | marque n. Also marc, merque, margue. |
| Etymology | AF |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
Note: Cp. reprisail.
1.
The action or right of seizing the persons or property of subjects of a foreign state as restitution for injuries committed by these subjects; also, the warrant granted by the king authorizing such actions; ~ and reprisail; lettre of ~ and reprisail [see lettre 2. (d)].
Associated quotations
- [ (1353) RParl.2.250a : Si noz liges gentz, Marchantz ou autres, soient endamagez par ascuns Seign' de estranges terres, ou lour Subgitz, & les ditz Seigneurs duement requis faillent de droit a noz ditz gentz, Nous eions la Lei de mark & de reprisailles. ]
- (1419) Proc.Privy C.2.256 : Consideryng ye unese yat ye merque of hem of Gene haaþ doon..as in hindryng of ye cours of marchandise betwix oure reaume and yaym and tourneth to noon neer ende for hom yat han ye merque yan hit did at bygynnyng..we wold yat, [etc.].
- (1419) Proc.Privy C.2.257 : The Janneys desiren be their peticion the utterest value of theyr good heere in this land taken be us be vertue of marque and represaile.
- (1473) RParl.6.65a : The Kyng..wolle..that noon of the seid Marchauntez of the seid Hanze..be greved..in their Persones, Shippes, Goodes..by reason or occasion of any Sentence, Jugement, Margue or Reprisale yeven..or graunted..afore the xix day of Septembr.
- (1473) RParl.6.65b : The Kyng..wolle..that all maner Plees, Questions, Debates and Actions, by wey of Margue, Reprisale..sesse and be sette asyde.