Simple English definitions for legal terms
Read a random definition: payable on demand
God-gild: In the past, people would give money or gifts to a church as a way of showing their service to God. This was called god-gild. Another term for it is frankalmoign.
Godparent: A godparent is someone who is chosen by the parents of a newly baptized child to help with their religious education. They are usually a close family friend or relative. The godparent may also help take care of the child if something happens to the parents. The relationship between the godparent and child is like a spiritual parent-child relationship and can prevent them from getting married in the future. Godparent can also be called godmother, godfather, or sponsor in church law.
God-gild is a historical term that refers to money or gifts offered to a church for the service of God. It can also refer to a payment made to a church in exchange for land. This term is similar to frankalmoign.
During the Middle Ages, many people would offer god-gild to their local church as a way to show their devotion to God. This could be in the form of money, livestock, or even land.
In some cases, a lord might offer god-gild to a monastery in exchange for the monks praying for the souls of his deceased family members.
The examples illustrate how god-gild was used in medieval times as a way to support the church and show devotion to God. It was often given as a form of thanksgiving or to seek divine favor. The exchange of land for god-gild was a common practice, as it allowed the church to expand its holdings and influence. Overall, god-gild was an important part of religious life in the Middle Ages.