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murdrum

noun
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mur·​drum | \ ˈmərdrəm \
plural -s

Definition of murdrum

early English law
1 : murder especially : a killing in secret
2 : a fine exacted under the Norman kings from the hundred in which a person was slain unless the slayer was produced or proof was given that the slain person was not a Franco-Norman

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History and Etymology for murdrum

Medieval Latin, murder, fine for murder, from Old French murdre murder

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“Murdrum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/murdrum. Accessed 24 Oct. 2020.

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