Simple English definitions for legal terms
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Term: DOMICELLUS
Definition: Domicellus is an old word that was used in France to refer to a king's natural son or a young lord. It was also sometimes used to refer to the eldest sons of noblemen. In some cases, it was used to refer to the better sort of servants in monasteries.
Definition: Domicellus (dom-uh-sel-uhs), n. [Law Latin] Hist.
1. A king's natural son in France.
2. A young lord.
Example: Several natural children of John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster, are styled Domicelli by the Charter of Legitimation.
Explanation: Domicellus was an old term used in France to refer to a king's natural son or the eldest son of a nobleman. For example, John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster, had several natural children who were given the title of Domicelli in their Charter of Legitimation. The term was also used to refer to young lords. However, according to Thorn, the Domicelli were only the better sort of servants in monasteries.