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Simple English definitions for legal terms
hidegild
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A quick definition of hidegild:
Term: HIDEGILD
Definition: Hidgild is an old English term that refers to a sum of money paid by a servant or villein to avoid being whipped. It was a historical practice that allowed people to pay a fee instead of receiving physical punishment. The term can also be spelled as hidgild, hydegeld, or hudegeld.
A more thorough explanation:
HIDEGILD
Hidegild is an Old English term that refers to a historical practice where a servant or villein would pay a sum of money to avoid being whipped.
For example, if a servant was caught stealing from their master, they could be punished with a whipping. However, if they paid a hidegild, they could avoid the punishment.
Another example would be if a villein was accused of a crime, they could pay a hidegild to avoid being punished by their lord.
These examples illustrate how hidegild was used as a way for servants and villeins to avoid physical punishment by paying a sum of money instead.