Legal Definitions - cotset

Definition: A cotset, also known as cotsetus, is a historical term used to describe a villein who provided labor to a lord in exchange for a cottage and plot of land.

Example: In medieval England, a cotset would work on the lord's land and perform various tasks such as farming, animal husbandry, and other manual labor. In return, the cotset would receive a small cottage and a plot of land to cultivate for their own use.

Explanation: The example illustrates how a cotset was a type of laborer who worked for a lord in exchange for a place to live and land to farm. This system was common in medieval Europe and was a way for lords to maintain a workforce while providing basic necessities for their workers.