How Do You Spell BASTARDY BOND?

Pronunciation: [bˈastədi bˈɒnd] (IPA)

The spelling of the word "bastardy bond" can be a bit confusing. The word "bastardy" is pronounced with an "ah" sound, like "basta-dy" (/ˈbæstərdi/), while "bond" is pronounced with an "oh" sound, like "bawnd" (/bɒnd/). This term originated in English Law, referring to a bond taken from a man who fathered an illegitimate child. The bond was meant to ensure that the father would provide financial support for the child. Today, the phrase is an archaic term used to describe a similar concept.

BASTARDY BOND Meaning and Definition

1. A bastardy bond refers to a legal document or agreement that existed predominantly in the 18th and 19th centuries to address the issue of illegitimate children. It was a bond or undertaking made by the putative father of an illegitimate child, wherein he pledged to pay a certain amount of money to the parish or local authority responsible for the child's upkeep. Essentially, it was a financial guarantee to ensure that the child would not become a burden on the public welfare system.

   The bastardy bond was typically entered into when the mother of the illegitimate child sought assistance from the parish or local authorities. In exchange for financial support, the mother was required to identify the putative father and establish his responsibility for the child. Once this identification was made, the father would be summoned to court, where he would be given the option to sign a bastardy bond.

   By signing the bond, the alleged father became legally obligated to provide financial support to the child until a certain age, typically until the child reached adulthood. If he failed to meet these obligations, he would face legal consequences, such as fines or even imprisonment. The bond also served as a deterrent to discourage men from engaging in sexual relationships without the intention of taking responsibility for any resulting children.

   Overall, the bastardy bond system aimed to ensure that fathers took responsibility for their illegitimate children, shifting the burden away from the public and onto the individuals involved.

Etymology of BASTARDY BOND

The term "bastardy bond" derives from the combination of the words "bastardy" and "bond".

1. Bastardy: The term "bastardy" refers to a child born out of wedlock, also known as an illegitimate child. It comes from the Middle English word "bastardie", which originated from the Old French word "bastard" meaning "child of a mixed marriage" or "illegitimate child". The Old French term, in turn, derived from the Latin word "bastardus", signifying a child born out of wedlock or with unknown or uncertain parentage.

2. Bond: In this context, "bond" refers to a written agreement or contract that ensures the financial support of the illegitimate child. The term "bond" is of Old English origin and comes from the word "bonda", meaning "a binding" or "something to bind".