INFANG Meaning and
Definition
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Infang (also spelled infangen or infangthief) is a term rooted in medieval English law that refers to the jurisdictional right of a lord to try and punish thieves apprehended within his own estate. The term itself is derived from Old English, wherein "in" means within and "fang" means to seize or take.
In practice, infang was a legal concept granting feudal lords the authority to hold their own courts and administer justice in cases involving theft committed within their territory. It essentially allowed them to exercise control and power over their lands, maintaining law and order. This right extended to the lord being able to exact penalties and punishments, which could range from fines to physical punishments like imprisonment, branding, or even execution.
The crime of infang was typically associated with theft, but it also covered related offenses such as burglary or robbery. The lord's jurisdiction only applied to individuals of serf or lower social status, as those of higher standing were subject to the jurisdiction of higher courts. Thus, infang was a manifestation of feudal society's hierarchical legal structure.
Over time, as the legal system evolved, the concept of infang diminished in significance and was eventually abolished with the decline of the feudal system. Nevertheless, it remains an intriguing piece of legal history that highlights the unique rights and privileges enjoyed by feudal lords in medieval England.
Common Misspellings for INFANG
- jnfang
- knfang
- onfang
- 9nfang
- 8nfang
- ibfang
- imfang
- ijfang
- ihfang
- indang
- invang
- inrang
- infzng
- infsng
- infwng
- infqng
- infabg
- infajg
- infahg
- infanf
Etymology of INFANG
The word "infang" comes from the Old English word "infangen" which is a combination of "in" (meaning "in") and "fangen" (meaning "to seize"). The term originated during the Middle Ages in England and referred to a legal right held by lords or landowners to hold their own courts and administer justice, including the power to arrest and try criminals who were caught within their jurisdiction. It is derived from the concept of the lord having the authority to "seize" or capture wrongdoers within their own lands.
