Borough English

Borough English
   obsolete
   a form of disinheriting the eldest son The subject came up in a discussion on 16 October 1773, concerning Marcheta Mulierum, a custom whereby the Lord of the Manor was entitled to jus primae noctis:
    Dr Johnson said, the belief that such a custom having existed was also held in England, where there is a tenure called Borough English, by which the eldest child does not inherit, from a doubt of his being the son of the tenant. (J. Boswell, 1773 — Blackstone in his Commentaries disagreed with the omniscient Doctor)

How not to say what you mean: A dictionary of euphemisms. . 2014.

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  • Borough-English — Bor ough Eng lish, n. (Eng. Law) A custom, as in some ancient boroughs, by which lands and tenements descend to the youngest son, instead of the eldest; or, if the owner have no issue, to the youngest brother. Blackstone. [1913 Webster] …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • borough English — n. a former custom in some parts of England by which the youngest son succeeded to land holdings * * * …   Universalium

  • borough English — n. a former custom in some parts of England by which the youngest son succeeded to land holdings …   English World dictionary

  • borough-English — /berr oh ing glish/ or, often, / lish, bur /, n. (formerly, in some parts of England) a custom by which the youngest son inherited the entire estate upon the death of his father. [1300 50; ME] * * * ▪ English inheritance system       the English… …   Universalium

  • borough-english — | ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷ˈ ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷ noun Usage: usually capitalized E Etymology: earlier burghenglish, part translation of Anglo French burgh engloys, from burgh borough (from Middle English) + engloys English : a former custom in some cities and boroughs in… …   Useful english dictionary

  • Borough-English — The term given to ultimogeniture, i.e. inheritance by the youngest son or daughter, which was customary among unfree AS peasants; it continued in English boroughs after the Conquest. The term arose after a case in the early 14c at Nottingham… …   Dictionary of Medieval Terms and Phrases

  • borough English — noun a former English custom by which the youngest son inherited land to the exclusion of his older brothers • Hypernyms: ↑inheritance, ↑heritage …   Useful english dictionary

  • borough English — noun Date: 14th century a custom formerly existing in parts of England by which the lands of an intestate descended to the youngest son …   New Collegiate Dictionary

  • BOROUGH ENGLISH —    descent of lands to a youngest son …   The Nuttall Encyclopaedia

  • Borough-english — Term which designates the custom of ultimogeniture (All lands inherited by the youngest son) …   Medieval glossary

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