heriot

noun

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her·i·ot | \ ˈher-ē-ət

Definition of heriot

: a feudal duty or tribute due under English law to a lord on the death of a tenant

History and Etymology for heriot

Middle English heriet, heriette, heriot, going back to Old English heregeatwe "arms and gear of a soldier, payment due to a lord on the death of a retainer (originally, at least notionally, arms given a retainer by the lord and hence returned to him)," from here "body of armed men" + geatwe "trappings, adornments," probably reduced form of getāwa "apparatus, implements," collective noun derivative of tāwian "to prepare, make" — more at harry, taw entry 1

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