Legal Definitions - bote

Bote (also spelled bot or boot) is a historical term that refers to compensation or profit. It can also refer to an allowance of wood for various purposes, such as repairing a house or farm equipment, or for use as fuel. Bote can also be a compensatory payment for causing an injury or a fine paid for offenses against God or a person in holy orders. Additionally, bote can refer to a tenant's right to use wood from an estate for agricultural operations or the repair of public works.

• Housebote: An allowance of wood from an estate used to repair a house or to burn in the fireplace.
• Plowbote: An allowance of wood for the construction and repair of farm equipment.
• Theftbote: The acceptance of a payment from a thief in exchange for an agreement not to prosecute; compounding a crime.
• Tenant's bote: A tenant's right to use as much wood from the estate as necessary for fuel, fences, and other agricultural operations.
• Bridge repair bote: An assessment levied to fund the repair of bridges, highways, and public works.

These examples illustrate the different ways bote was used historically, from providing wood for practical purposes to compensating for injuries or crimes. Bote was also used to fund public works, such as bridge repairs, showing how it was an important part of community life.