Grithbreach

/ˈɡrɪθbriːtʃ/ noun

Definition

An Old English legal term for the violation of peace or sanctuary; breaking the protection granted in a grith.

Etymology

Compound of 'grith' and 'breach,' referring to the serious crime of violating a protected space or peace agreement in Anglo-Saxon law.

Kelly Says

Grithbreach was considered one of the worst crimes in Anglo-Saxon England—violating someone's sanctuary could result in severe punishments including execution, showing how sacred peace-keeping was.

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