Legal Definitions - astrarius

The term astrarius refers historically to the owner or occupant of a house.

This legal term, primarily used in historical contexts, designated an individual based on their connection to a dwelling, whether through ownership or by being the primary resident.

• Example 1: In a medieval village, Lord Alaric held vast estates, including a large stone manor house. As the proprietor of this principal residence, Lord Alaric would have been considered the astrarius of the manor.

  Explanation: This illustrates the term's application to an owner. Lord Alaric's ownership of the manor house directly identifies him as the astrarius for that specific dwelling.

• Example 2: Eleanor, a skilled weaver in a 13th-century town, lived with her family in a rented cottage. While she did not own the property, she was its primary resident and responsible for its upkeep as per her agreement with the landlord.

  Explanation: Here, Eleanor is the astrarius not through ownership, but as the chief occupant and resident of the cottage. The term encompasses both those who own and those who simply reside in a house.

• Example 3: During a historical census conducted in a 15th-century parish, records were compiled listing each head of household by their primary dwelling. Thomas, a local blacksmith, was recorded as the astrarius for the house attached to his forge.

  Explanation: In this context, Thomas is identified as the astrarius because he is the recognized individual associated with and residing in that particular house, whether as owner or primary tenant, for the purpose of the census.