Simple English definitions for legal terms
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WOOLFERTHFOD: An outlaw who was often called a wolf's head because he was seen as no more than a wild beast or wolf who could be killed and his head brought to the king. Outlawry is the last weapon of ancient law, but one that it must often use. To pursue the outlaw and knock him on the head as though he were a wild beast is the right and duty of every law-abiding man. Let him bear the wolf's head. This phrase is in use even in the thirteenth century.
Definition: Woolferthfod is a term used to refer to an outlaw who was often depicted as carrying a wolf's head. This person was considered to be no more than a wild beast or wolf who could be killed and whose head could be presented to the king as proof of their death. The term is also known as wolf's head.
Example: In the thirteenth century, the phrase "let him bear the wolf's head" was commonly used to refer to outlaws who were considered to be dangerous and could be killed by anyone. This shows how outlaws were viewed as threats to society and how people were encouraged to take matters into their own hands to protect themselves.
Explanation: The example illustrates how the term woolferthfod was used to describe outlaws who were seen as wild and dangerous. The phrase "let him bear the wolf's head" was used to encourage people to take action against these outlaws and to view them as no more than wild animals that needed to be eliminated. This shows how the law and justice system were not as developed as they are today, and how people had to rely on their own judgment and actions to protect themselves and their communities.