Legal Definitions - mistery

The term mistery (also spelled mystery) is a historical legal term. It refers to:

• A specific trade, craft, or occupation.
• A business or profession, often one requiring specialized skill or training.

This usage is distinct from the modern meaning of "mystery" as something unknown or puzzling.

Examples:

• Imagine a legal document from the 15th century describing a person as practicing the "mistery of a blacksmith."

  This means the individual was engaged in the trade or business of blacksmithing, which involved specific skills like forging and shaping metal. The document would be identifying their profession or occupation.

• Consider a medieval guild charter that outlines the rules and regulations for those engaged in the "mistery of the clothmakers."

  Here, "mistery" refers to the entire organized business or profession of making cloth, including all its associated crafts and commercial activities. The charter would govern the standards and practices of this particular trade within the community.

• A historical will might bequeath tools and property related to the "mistery of a scrivener" to an apprentice.

  This indicates that the deceased practiced the profession or business of a scrivener—a person who copied documents, drafted legal papers, or acted as a public notary. The bequest ensures the continuation of this specific trade.