BLACK ASSIZE Meaning and
Definition
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Black Assize refers to a historical term that is used to describe a specific type of event or occurrence. In its essence, Black Assize signifies a devastating outbreak of disease, particularly the plague, that was notorious for causing high mortality rates. The term "assize" was traditionally used to denote a judicial inquest or a court session, but in the context of Black Assize, it denotes a setting where large numbers of people would fall ill or die due to an epidemic.
The origins of the term "Black Assize" can be traced back to medieval times in England, when the country was severely affected by recurring outbreaks of the plague. These outbreaks would often result in swift and widespread deaths, which in turn affected the functioning of the legal system. When a significant number of judges, jurors, and other participants in the legal process succumbed to the disease, it would lead to delays or interruptions in court proceedings, thereby acquiring the label of a Black Assize.
The term gained further significance in the 16th and 17th centuries during the reigns of Queen Elizabeth I and King James I, as these periods witnessed notable Black Assizes in various English towns. Notably, such outbreaks were notorious due to their scale and severity. The concept of a Black Assize became a symbol of the devastating impact of epidemic diseases, particularly the plague, on a community, disrupting normal life, and hampering legal proceedings.
Overall, Black Assize represents a historical occurrence characterized by large-scale outbreaks of disease, particularly the plague, resulting in significant mortality rates and disruptions in the legal system.
Etymology of BLACK ASSIZE
The word "Black Assize" derives from the combination of two terms: "black" and "assize".
The term "black" in this context does not refer to the color, but to a sense of misfortune or disaster. It dates back to Middle English and has been used historically to describe calamitous or sinister events. The adjective "black" adds a sense of darkness, gloom, or severity to the noun it modifies.
The word "assize" originated from the Old French term "assise", which means a sitting or a session. In the context of "Black Assize", it refers to a judicial proceeding, specifically an event where legal cases were heard and decided. Assizes were court sessions held in medieval England that addressed serious criminal cases.
The combination of these two terms, "black" and "assize", likely arises from the tragic nature of a specific historical event.
