Fiar

/ˈfaɪ.ɑr/ noun

Definition

In Scottish law, a person who has the reversion or ultimate ownership of property, or someone who determines grain prices at market.

Etymology

From Old English 'fear' meaning heir or owner; evolved in Scottish legal tradition to refer to someone with future property rights or market authority over grain.

Kelly Says

Scottish law developed this term because feudal property was so complicated—you could own land but not really own it, and someone else (the fiar) got it back eventually. It's like a really old version of a mortgage holder having rights to your house.

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