Deforse

/dɪˈfɔːrs/ verb

Definition

To dispossess or deprive someone of property or land; an archaic legal term meaning to seize land unlawfully.

Etymology

From Old French deforcer, combining de- (away) + force (strength, force). It's related to the English word 'force' and reflects medieval legal vocabulary about property disputes.

Kelly Says

Deforse is a wonderfully archaic word—medieval lords would deforse peasants of their land, and it appears in countless old English legal documents describing land theft and property disputes.

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