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Simple English definitions for legal terms
leirwita
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A quick definition of leirwita:
Term: LEIRWITA
Definition: Leirwita is an old word that refers to a fine that had to be paid to the lord of a manor for committing adultery or fornication. This fine was especially imposed on those who had sexual relations with the lord's female villeins. It was also known as lairesite, lecherwite, legerwite, leyerwite, legenita, or legruita.
A more thorough explanation:
Definition: Leirwita is a historical term that refers to a fine for adultery or fornication paid to the lord of the manor. It was a lord's privilege of receiving a fine for fornication with the lord's female villeins.
Example: In medieval times, if a man had sexual relations with a female villein who belonged to the lord of the manor, he would have to pay a leirwita as a fine to the lord.
This example illustrates how leirwita was a way for lords to control the sexual behavior of their female villeins and to profit from it.