Definition of frankpledge

< frankly

Franks Peak >

frank·pledge    (frngkplj) KEY 

NOUN:

1. An Anglo-Saxon legal system in which units or tithings composed of ten households were formed, in each of which members were held responsible for one another's conduct.
2. A member of a unit in frankpledge.

---

ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English frankplegge, from Anglo-Norman frauncpledge : Old French franc, free, frank ; see frank¹ + Old French plege, pledge ; see pledge