FRITH

Sax. Peace, security, or protection. This word occurs in many compound terms used in Anglo-Saxon law. Frithborg. Frank-pledge. Cowell. Frithbote. A satisfaction or fine for a breach of the peace. Frithbreuch. The breaking of the peace. Frithgar. The year of jubilee, or of meeting for peace and friendship. Frithgilda. Guildhall; a company or fraternity for the maintenance of peace and security; also a fine for breach of the peace. Jacob. Frithman. A member of a company or fraternity. Frithsoene. Surety of defense. Jurisdiction of the peace. The franchise of preserving the peace. Also spelled “frithsoken.” Frithsplot. A spot or plot of land, encircling some stone, tree, or well, considered sacred, and therefore affording sanctuary to criminals. Frithstool. The stool of peace. A stool or chair placed in a church or cathedral, and which was the symbol and place of sanctuary to those who fled to it and reached it