Middle English Dictionary Entry
thwert-nik n.
Entry Info
| Forms | thwert-nik n. Also thwertnic, twertnik, (early) twertnic, thertnig & (error) twertuylt. |
| Etymology | From thwert adv. & nikken v.(1); cp. OI phrase þver neita to deny flatly. |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
1.
Law An absolute denial, a flat-out (as opposed to word-by-word) traverse of a plaintiff's charge; also, the privilege of so pleading.
Associated quotations
- (1215-16) Doc.in EHR 4014 : Si vicecomes meus aut aliquis serviens in curia mea aliquem hominem suorum inculpaverit, per thwertnic se defendere poterit, propter sirevstuth quod reddunt, nisi secta eum sequatur.
- 1218 *Earl Randal's Charter to Cheshire (D.of Lanc.Misc.Bks.12 lf.25) [OD col.] : Per twertnik se defendere poterit.
- (1259) Chester R.in Chet.n.s.842 : Idem Willelmus secundum legem Cestresire per thertnig de supradicto foro transivit et de parti posuit se super patriam.
- (1275) *Close R.3 Edw.I m.5 [OD col.] : Excepta..libertate quam dictus Robertus habuit in terris et tenementis suis in comitatu Cestrie que vocatur Thwertnik.
- (1296) *Chancery Inq.p.mort.Edw.I, 79 (8) [OD col.] : Quamdam libertatem que vocatur twertnyc.
- (1297) Inquis.PM Edw.I3.272 : [A liberty called] twertuylt [read: twertnyk].
- (1346) Doc.in EHR 4020 : [Although in past times..any one..charged in the earl's court..might defend himself by] thwertnic [yet because this custom is contrary to the common law..and destructive to peace..this defence shall not be allowed in future].
- (1359) Reg.Edw.Blk.Pr.4.280 : [If no party should have made suit against him, he should go quit on his] thwertnyk [without punishment by judgment..or ransom].
- -?- Exchequer Inquis.PM 5 (4) [OD col.] : Libertatem que vocatur twertnyk.