Pronunciation: [pˈɔ͡ɪndɪŋ] (IPA) 
The word "poynding" is spelled with a "y" instead of the more common "i" in "pounding". This spelling is due to its early Scottish origins, where the "y" was used to represent the sound of the letter "u" in the word. In IPA phonetic transcription, the word would be transcribed as /ˈpɔɪndɪŋ/, with the "oi" representing the sound of the Scottish "u". The spelling may seem odd, but it serves as a reminder of the word's historical roots.
Poynding is a term rooted in Scottish law and refers to the ancient practice of impounding or seizing someone's property or asset due to a debt or legal claim. It is a legal process by which a creditor holds an individual's belongings or possessions until their outstanding debt is repaid or their legal obligations are fulfilled.
The act of poynding involves the creditor, or a designated representative, taking physical possession of the defaulter's moveable property, such as livestock, furniture, or other belongings of value. These possessions are held as collateral until the debt is settled, and the poynding creditor may have the right to sell or dispose of the items to recover the money owed.
Poynding historically played a significant role in debt collection and was considered an effective means to compel individuals to fulfill their financial obligations. The practice had strict rules and regulations to protect the debtor's rights, preventing abuse or unjust seizure of property.
However, with the evolution of modern legal systems and debt collection practices, poynding has been largely replaced by more regulated methods, such as court proceedings, wage garnishment, or bank account freezing.
In contemporary usage, poynding is more commonly associated with its historical context and is rarely encountered in modern legal proceedings. Nonetheless, it remains an important term in the study of legal history, particularly in the context of Scottish law and its evolution over time.
See poinding.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "poynding" is derived from the Old English word "pundian", which meant "to impound" or "to seize". It is related to the Middle English word "pound", which referred to an enclosure for confining animals or a place for storing seized goods. Over time, the term "pound" gave rise to the verb "poynd", which meant "to seize or impound" and the noun "poynding" referred to the act of seizing someone's property or goods due to debt or non-payment.
