Heriots

/ˈhɛrɪəts/ noun

Definition

plural of heriot; multiple payments or goods owed to a feudal lord.

Etymology

Old English plural formation from 'heriot', standardized in Middle English legal documents. The plural is commonly found in medieval manorial records.

Kelly Says

Medieval manorial records are filled with complaints about heriots—farmers grumbling that they had to give up their best ox or pig when inheritance passed to their son, making it the medieval equivalent of a surprise death tax.

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