infangthief en · NOUN
Pronunciation
- /ˈɪnfæŋθiːf/
Etymology
From Middle English infangthef, from Old English infangeneþēof (“infangthief”), from in- + fangen (“seized, taken”) + þēof (“thief”). See also infang.
Meanings
-
(historical, uncountable) A privilege of some feudal lords permitting them to execute summary judgment upon thieves captured within their estates, sometimes restricted to the lord's tenants or men and sometimes limited to those caught in flagrante delicto.
The wrought-iron gates (infangthief and outfangthief in heavy balls on the gate-posts) were open for their hard-breathing entry.
1964, Anthony Burgess, The Eve of St Venus:
Forms
| Spelling | Features | Labels | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| infang | alternative | lexicographic | |
| infangenthef | alternative | lexicographic | |
| infangentheof | alternative | lexicographic | |
| infangthef | alternative | lexicographic |