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brehon

noun
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bre·​hon | \ ˈbrēˌhän, biˈrehu̇v \
plural -s

Definition of brehon

: one of a class of lawyers in ancient Ireland with power to serve as jurist and referee but without power to enforce decisions

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History and Etymology for brehon

Irish Gaelic breitheamh judge, from Old Irish brithem, from breth act of bearing, judgment; akin to Old Irish biru I bear, Old English beran to bear

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Cite this Entry

“Brehon.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/brehon. Accessed 26 Jun. 2022.

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