Legal Definitions - soul shot

The term soul shot is an archaic legal and ecclesiastical term. It refers to a payment or fee historically made to a church or clergy member, typically from the estate of a deceased person, for the performance of religious rites, prayers, or services intended for the repose of the deceased's soul. Essentially, it was a mortuary fee with a spiritual purpose, often considered a customary charge against an estate in historical common law.

While not a term commonly encountered in modern legal practice, understanding its historical context can be useful when examining older legal documents or historical ecclesiastical records.

• Example 1: Historical Will Provision

  Imagine a will drafted in England in the 16th century that includes the clause: "I give and bequeath unto the Parish Church of St. Mary's, five shillings for my soul shot, that the curate may offer prayers for my soul's eternal rest."

  This example illustrates a direct instruction from the deceased to their executor to make a payment specifically designated as a "soul shot" to the church. The payment is clearly tied to the spiritual purpose of having prayers said for the deceased's soul, reflecting the historical understanding of the term as a religious fee paid from the estate.

• Example 2: Church Financial Records

  Consider a ledger from a rural parish in the 18th century, with an entry under "Receipts" stating: "From the estate of Thomas Brown, deceased, for his soul shot and burial rites: seven shillings."

  Here, the "soul shot" is recorded as a specific financial transaction received by the church from the deceased's estate. It highlights how these payments were part of the church's financial administration and were often bundled with other mortuary services, demonstrating its nature as a customary fee for spiritual services.

• Example 3: Legal Commentary on Estate Administration

  In a historical legal treatise discussing the proper administration of a deceased person's estate, a passage might advise: "Among the first charges to be settled from the deceased's goods are the funeral expenses, the mortuary, and the customary soul shot to the parish priest, before other debts are considered."

  This example shows how "soul shot" was recognized within the legal framework of estate administration as a specific type of debt or charge that had to be paid. It underscores its legal significance in historical contexts, often given priority alongside other essential funeral-related expenses.