How Do You Spell WAPENTAKE?

Pronunciation: [wˈe͡ɪpəntˌe͡ɪk] (IPA)

The word "Wapentake" is a historical term used in England to refer to a type of administrative division. Its pronunciation is /ˈwɒpən teɪk/, where the "a" sound in the first syllable is similar to the "o" in "hot," and the "e" in the second syllable is pronounced. The spelling of the word is derived from Old Norse and Middle English, where "wapen" means weapon and "tak" means taking, indicating the gathering of people for military purposes in the past. This is an interesting example of how language and history are intertwined.

WAPENTAKE Meaning and Definition

1. Wapentake is a term that dates back to the Middle Ages and refers to an administrative division or jurisdiction in England, specifically in the region known as the Danelaw. The word itself is derived from Old Norse and Old English, with "wæpen" meaning "weapon" and "tǣcan" meaning "to take" or "to appoint."

   In medieval times, wapentakes were used as subunits or subdivisions within larger shires or counties. They were primarily responsible for matters of law and order, including the enforcement of justice, maintenance of peace, and collection of taxes. Each wapentake was centered around a court, usually presided over by an elected or appointed wapentake-elected official known as the wapentake moot or a reeve. The court would convene regularly to administer justice, resolve disputes, and discuss local matters.

   Geographically, wapentakes could vary in size and shape, depending on the population and extent of territory. Some wapentakes encompassed several towns or villages, while others covered a single parish. Additionally, their boundaries were often defined by prominent natural features such as rivers, hills, or highways.

   With the decline of feudalism and the subsequent centralization of power, wapentakes gradually lost their significance and were eventually replaced by other administrative divisions. However, remnants of this medieval institution can still be seen today in the historical records and place names of certain regions in England.

2. The division of certain English counties, nearly coinciding with hundred-supposed to have been so called because the inhabitants within such divisions were tanght the use of arms.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for WAPENTAKE

• qapentake
• aapentake
• sapentake
• eapentake
• 3apentake
• 2apentake
• wzpentake
• wspentake
• wwpentake
• wqpentake
• waoentake
• walentake
• wa-entake
• wa0entake
• wapwntake
• wapsntake
• wapdntake
• waprntake
• wap4ntake
• wap3ntake

Etymology of WAPENTAKE

The word "wapentake" has its origins in Old Norse and Old English. It is derived from the Old Norse term "vapnatak", which literally means "weapon touch".

In the early medieval period, a wapentake was a term used in the northern parts of England, particularly in the regions of Yorkshire, Lincolnshire, and Nottinghamshire. It referred to a administrative subdivision or district within a county, often associated with the jurisdiction of a court. The name "wapentake" was derived from the practice of the people within the district gathering and physically touching weapons as a symbol of agreement or to swear allegiance during communal assemblies or meetings.

Over time, the word "wapentake" evolved in meaning, particularly after the Norman Conquest of England in 1066. It came to denote a type of local government unit or administrative area within the feudal system.

Plural form of WAPENTAKE is WAPENTAKES