The sovereign, ruler, or chief executive magistrate of a state or nation whose constitution is of the kind called “monarchical” is thus named if a man; if it be a woman, she is called “queen.” The word expresses the idea of one who rules singly over a whole people or has the highest executive power; but the office may be either hereditary or elective, and the sovereignty of the king may or may not be absolute, according to the constitution of the country. Kingeraft. The art of goveming. King-geld. A royal aid; an escuage, (q. tuning’s silver. In old English practice. A fine due the king pro licentia concordandi, (for leave to agree,) in the process of levying a fine. 5 Coke, 39, 43; 2 Inst. 511; 2 Bl. Comm. 350. King’s widow. In feudal law. A widow of the king’s tenant in chief, who was obliged to take oath in chancery that she would not marry without the king’s leave.