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soke

noun
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\ ˈsōk How to pronounce soke (audio) \

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

First Known Use of soke

12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for 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

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The first known use of soke was in the 12th century

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Cite this Entry

“Soke.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/soke. Accessed 8 Mar. 2021.

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