FRANKPLEDGE Meaning and
Definition
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Frankpledge was a system of social organization and law enforcement that existed in medieval England. The term "Frankpledge" is derived from the Old English words "franc," meaning free, and "plege," meaning pledge or surety. It referred to a group of men who agreed to be responsible for each other's conduct and maintain peace within their community.
Under the Frankpledge system, every free male over the age of twelve was required to be a member of a tithing, which consisted of ten families or households. The tithing acted as a collective unit, with each member guaranteeing the behavior and appearance of the others at the court. If any member of the tithing committed a crime or failed to appear in court, the remaining members were required to pay a collective fine or face punishment themselves.
The Frankpledge system was based on the belief that collective responsibility would deter crime and maintain order within communities. It provided a form of self-governance and a means for individuals to ensure their personal safety. The tithing was supervised by a local lord or the king's representative, known as a "tithingman" or "borough-reeve."
While the Frankpledge system gradually declined after the 14th century, it laid the foundation for later forms of rural and urban policing in England. It contributed to a sense of community, established principles of mutual responsibility and accountability, and shaped the development of law enforcement practices in medieval England.
Common Misspellings for FRANKPLEDGE
- drankpledge
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- frabkpledge
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Etymology of FRANKPLEDGE
The word "Frankpledge" has its origins in Old English. It is a combination of two words: "franc" meaning "free" and "pledge" meaning "security" or "guarantee". The concept of frankpledge was a system of collective responsibility and mutual assurance within medieval English society. In this system, groups of ten households known as "tithings" would be accountable for each other's behavior and were expected to maintain order and keep the peace within their community. This was part of a broader social and legal structure in medieval England called the frankpledge system, which aimed to ensure communal stability and public safety.
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