outfangthief

noun

out·​fang·​thief
ˈau̇tfəŋˌthēf
: the right of a lord under medieval English law to try in his manorial court a thief or other felon dwelling in his manor but caught outside it
distinguished from infangthief

Word History

Etymology

Middle English outfangenthef, outfangthef, from Old English ūtfangenethēof, from ūt out + fangen (past participle of fōn to seize, capture) + thēof thief

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Cite this Entry

“Outfangthief.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/outfangthief. Accessed 10 Dec. 2024.

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