soke

noun \ ˈsōk \

Definition of soke

1 : the right in Anglo-Saxon and early English law to hold court and administer justice with the franchise to receive certain fees or fines arising from it : jurisdiction over a territory or over people

2 : the district included in a soke jurisdiction or franchise

Origin and Etymology of soke

Middle English soc, soke, from Old English soka, from Medieval Latin soca, from Old English sōcn inquiry, jurisdiction; akin to Old English sēcan to seek

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 12th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year