Brehon

/ˈbreɪən/ noun

Definition

A judge or lawgiver in ancient and medieval Ireland who administered a sophisticated oral legal system.

Etymology

From Old Irish 'brithemh,' meaning 'judge.' The Brehons held high status in Celtic society and their legal traditions, called Brehon Law, were eventually written down in the medieval period.

Kelly Says

Brehon Law is mind-blowing—ancient Ireland had a complex written legal code centuries before most of Europe, and women had property rights and could be judges too, making it surprisingly progressive for its time!

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