A noisy, disorderly fight or brawl in public; a loud quarrel or dispute.
From Old French 'afraier' (to frighten), from 'a-' (to) + 'frayer' (to break, frighten). Entered Middle English as a term for public disturbances, originally emphasizing the frightening and chaotic nature of street fights.
Medieval laws specifically mentioned 'affray' as a crime distinct from assault or murder—it was the noise and public disorder that made it illegal, not just the violence. Your town watch was more worried about you disturbing the peace than about minor bruises.
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