Simple English definitions for legal terms
Read a random definition: C.B.
Burgh English: A rule in old English law where the youngest son (or sometimes the youngest daughter or relative) would inherit all of their father's land. If the landowner had no children, their youngest brother would inherit the land. This only applied to certain parts of England and was stopped by law in 1925. It is also called postremogeniture, ultimogeniture, burgh English, or burgh Engloys. This is different from primogeniture, which is when the oldest son inherits everything.
Definition: Burgh English, also known as borough English, is a common-law rule of descent that was practiced in some parts of England. According to this rule, the youngest son (or sometimes the youngest daughter or collateral heir) inherited all his father's lands. If the landowner had no issue, his youngest brother inherited the land. This practice applied to socage tenures.
For example, if a landowner had three sons, the youngest son would inherit all the lands and properties of his father. This rule was abolished by statute in 1925.
Related term: PrimoGeniture