WIGREVE is a term referring to a medieval dignitary in charge of the administration of an area known as a WAPENTAKE. The pronunciation of WIGREVE can be broken down using International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) symbols as /ˈwɪɡrɛv/. The first syllable is pronounced as "wig" with a short "i" sound, while the second syllable is pronounced with a short "e" sound. The "r" is rolled, and the stress is on the first syllable. Although a lesser-known term, WIGREVE serves as an interesting insight into medieval times.
Wigreve is an archaic term that originated in Old English and was commonly used during the Middle Ages. It refers to a high-ranking official or officer who held a position of authority over a wapentake or hundred—a geographical division or administrative unit in medieval England.
In the context of medieval times, a wigreve was responsible for maintaining law and order, as well as overseeing the legal proceedings and ensuring justice within their assigned area. They acted as the representative of the king or lord and were entrusted with tasks such as collecting taxes, enforcing judgments, and settling disputes.
The term itself originated from the Old English words "wig," meaning war or strife, and "gerefa," meaning reeve or steward. The combination of these terms gave rise to "wigreve," which reflected the significance of their role in maintaining peace and resolving conflicts.
Wigreves played a crucial role in the feudal system of medieval England, and their authority and responsibilities varied depending on the specific region and the lord they served. Over time, as the administrative structure evolved, the position of the wigreve gradually declined, and by the late Middle Ages, it was largely replaced by other administrative titles. Today, the term wigreve is considered archaic and is not widely used in modern English vocabulary, but it remains an important aspect of historical studies and provides insights into the social and legal systems of the past.