GEBURUS is an Old English term that originated during the Anglo-Saxon period. It refers to a freeman or a tenant who held land, and had certain rights and responsibilities in the Anglo-Saxon society.
The term "GEBURUS" derived from the Old English verb "gebeorgan," meaning "to support" or "to protect." Thus, a GEBURUS was someone who had land and was expected to provide labor or services to their lord in exchange for protection and certain rights.
As a tenant farmer, a GEBURUS was obligated to cultivate and maintain the lord's land, typically in the form of a smallholding or a piece of land known as a "hide." They were expected to provide agricultural labor, such as plowing, sowing seeds, harvesting, and tending to livestock. Additionally, a GEBURUS was required to pay rent or tribute to their lord, usually in the form of a portion of their agricultural produce.
In return, GEBURUS had certain privileges and rights, including the right to farm a portion of the land for themselves and their family's subsistence. They also received protection from their lord, both in times of conflict and legal disputes. Moreover, a GEBURUS could participate in the local assembly known as the "moot," which discussed and made decisions on matters of local governance.
Overall, GEBURUS were crucial to the agricultural economy and social structure of the Anglo-Saxon society, occupying a middle position between the higher-ranking nobility and the lower-status serfs or slaves.
