Legal Definitions - livelode

Livelode is an archaic legal term that refers to a person's means of support or sustenance. It encompasses everything necessary for one's livelihood, maintenance, and daily upkeep.

Here are some examples to illustrate the concept of livelode:

• Imagine a medieval farmer who worked a plot of land granted by a lord. The crops grown, the animals raised, and the shelter provided by that land constituted the farmer's livelode. It was the entire basis for their existence and the means by which they supported themselves and their family.

• Consider a historical will where a wealthy merchant passed away, leaving specific instructions for his widow. The will might have stipulated that a certain portion of his estate, perhaps an annual income from a trust or the use of a particular property, was to be set aside for her ongoing support. This provision would have been her livelode, ensuring her maintenance and financial stability after his death.

• In a historical context, a skilled artisan, such as a blacksmith or a weaver, derived their livelode directly from their craft. The income earned from forging tools or weaving cloth allowed them to purchase food, pay for housing, and meet their other essential needs. Their trade was their primary source of maintenance and livelihood.