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Webster 1913 Edition

Gavelkind

Gav′el-kindˊ

,
Noun.
[OE.
gavelkynde
,
gavelkende
. See
Gavel
tribute, and
Kind
,
Noun.
]
(O. Eng. Law)
A tenure by which land descended from the father to all his sons in equal portions, and the land of a brother, dying without issue, descended equally to his brothers. It still prevails in the county of Kent.
Cowell.

Webster 1828 Edition

Gavelkind

GAV'ELKIND

,
Noun.
A tenure in England, by which land descended from the father to all his sons in equal portions, and the land of a brother, dying without issue, descended equally to his brothers. This species of tenure prevailed in England before the Norman conquest, in many parts of the kingdom, perhaps in the whole realm; but particularly in Kent, where it still exists.

Definition 2024

gavelkind

gavelkind

English

Noun

gavelkind ‎(countable and uncountable, plural gavelkinds)

  1. (historical) a system of inheritance associated with the county of Kent in England whereby, at the death of a tenant, intestate estate is divided equally among all his sons; also, a similar system employed in Ireland

Related terms

Pronunciation

  • IPA(key): /ˈɡævəlˌkaɪnd/

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