Coustumier

/kuːsˈtuːmieɪ/ noun

Definition

A collection or written record of customary law and local legal traditions; a medieval legal code documenting established customs and precedents of a region.

Etymology

From Old French 'coustumier' (customary), derived from 'costume' (custom), referring to written compilations of the unwritten laws and traditions of a particular territory or community.

Kelly Says

Before modern law codes existed, societies compiled 'coustumiers'—written records of 'how things have always been done'—literally trying to freeze tradition on parchment before memories faded.

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