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Simple English definitions for legal terms
francus tenens
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A quick definition of francus tenens:
Term: FRANCUS TENENS
Definition: Francus tenens, also known as frank-tenant, refers to a freeholder in historical times. This term was used to describe someone who owned land and was not subject to the control of a lord or feudal system. Essentially, a francus tenens was a person who had the right to use and occupy their land freely without owing any obligations to a higher authority.
A more thorough explanation:
Definition: A francus tenens, also known as a frank-tenant, is a freeholder in historical terms.
Example: In medieval England, a francus tenens was a person who held land directly from the king or a lord, without any obligation to pay rent or perform services. They were considered to be of a higher social status than a villein or a serf, who were bound to the land and had to work for their lord.
Explanation: The example illustrates how a francus tenens was a freeholder who owned land without any obligations to pay rent or perform services. This was a privileged position in medieval society, as most people were either villeins or serfs who were bound to the land and had to work for their lord. The term francus tenens is derived from the Latin words "francus" meaning free and "tenens" meaning holding, which reflects the status of these landowners as freeholders.