Burghbote

/ˈbɜːɡboʊt/ noun

Definition

A medieval tax or obligation requiring citizens to contribute to repairing or maintaining a burgh's fortifications and public structures.

Etymology

From 'burgh' and Old English 'bot' (compensation, reparation, tax), literally meaning 'burgh reparation' or 'fortification duty'.

Kelly Says

Burghbote was essentially crowdfunding for medieval town defense—when the walls cracked, the lord would call burghbote and everyone had to pay up or show up with tools and bricks.

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