A more thorough explanation:

Definition: Pars rationabilis is a custom that was prevalent in York. It refers to the division of a male intestate's effects according to a reasonable part. This means that one-third of the effects would go to the widow, one-third to the children, and one-third to the administrator. However, if the man was married but had no children or was single but had children, then one-half of the effects would go to the administrator. If the man was single with no children, then all of the effects would go to the administrator.

Example: If a man in York died without leaving a will and had a wife and two children, his effects would be divided into three equal parts. One-third would go to his wife, one-third to each of his children, and one-third to the administrator.

Explanation: This example illustrates how the doctrine of pars rationabilis was applied in York. The man's effects were divided into three equal parts, with each part going to a specific beneficiary. This ensured that each beneficiary received a reasonable share of the man's estate.