Legal Definitions - lecherwite

Lecherwite is a historical legal term, often synonymous with lairwite, originating from medieval English law. It referred to a fine or penalty that a feudal lord could levy, primarily against a female tenant, for certain sexual offenses. These offenses most commonly included fornication (sexual intercourse outside of marriage) or adultery. In some contexts, it could also refer to a fine imposed on a man who had sexual relations with an unmarried woman under the lord's jurisdiction, thereby "defiling" her. The payment of lecherwite was a right held by the lord, reflecting his authority over the moral conduct and marital status of his tenants. This concept is no longer part of modern law.

• Example 1: Fornication by a Female Tenant

  Imagine a village in 14th-century England, part of a feudal lord's manor. A young, unmarried woman, who is a tenant on the lord's land, becomes pregnant. Upon discovering this, the lord's bailiff demands a payment from her or her family as a lecherwite.

  This illustrates the lord's historical right to impose a fine on a female tenant for fornication, which was considered a breach of the expected moral conduct under his jurisdiction and an infringement on his rights over his tenants.

• Example 2: Defilement of an Unmarried Woman

  In another medieval manor, a visiting merchant engages in sexual relations with an unmarried woman who is a tenant of the local lord. The lord, asserting his authority and the right to control the marital prospects and "honor" of his female tenants, imposes a lecherwite fine on the merchant for defiling his tenant.

  Here, the fine is levied against the man who engaged in sexual relations with an unmarried woman under the lord's protection, demonstrating the lord's prerogative to penalize those who violated the moral order of his estate and potentially diminished the value or status of his tenant.

• Example 3: Adultery by a Married Woman

  Consider a historical court roll from a manorial court in the 13th century. A married woman living on the lord's estate is found to have committed adultery. The court, acting on behalf of the lord, records a judgment requiring her to pay a specific sum as a lecherwite, acknowledging the lord's right to penalize such an offense within his domain.

  This example shows the application of lecherwite for adultery committed by a married woman, highlighting the lord's historical power to enforce moral codes and extract financial penalties for perceived transgressions within his feudal territory.