CAUDELL Meaning and
Definition
-
Caudell is a term that refers to a medieval legal custom or payment made to the lord of the manor or the church for the privilege of being allowed to cut timber from their land. This word is derived from the Old French "caudel," which means "a piece of timber." The caudell was usually a fee paid in the form of a certain amount of timber, more specifically firewood or charcoal, taken from the lord's forests.
In feudal society, the lord owned vast tracts of land, including forests that provided necessary resources like timber. As a result, individuals or communities seeking timber for construction purposes or fueling their household would have to pay the caudell. Failure to pay this fee could result in the imposition of fines or even legal repercussions. The caudell served as a means for the lord to maintain control over his resources while also ensuring a valuable income stream.
The term caudell is primarily used in historical and legal contexts, particularly when discussing feudal systems and medieval land tenure. It highlights the economic and social dynamics of the time, showcasing the significance of timber as a valuable resource and providing insights into the power dynamics between the lord and his subjects.
Etymology of CAUDELL
The word "caudell" is derived from the Old French term "caudel", which was borrowed from the Latin word "calidus", meaning "hot" or "warm". In Medieval Latin, "calidellus" was a diminutive form of "calidus", which referred to a warm drink. As this term was borrowed into Old French, it evolved into "caudel", which denoted a warm spiced wine or posset. Eventually, "caudel" made its way into Middle English as "caudell", still with the meaning of a warm alcoholic drink. However, over time, the term "caudell" became obsolete and is no longer commonly used.
Similar spelling words for CAUDELL
