Legal Definitions - gavelherte

Definition: Gavelherte (gav-uhl-huhrt) is a historical term that refers to a service of plowing performed by a customary tenant.

Example: In medieval England, a customary tenant might be required to perform gavelherte as part of their obligations to their lord. This would involve plowing a certain amount of land using their own plow and oxen.

Explanation: The example illustrates how gavelherte was a form of labor that was required of certain tenants in feudal societies. It was a way for lords to ensure that their land was being cultivated and maintained, while also providing a source of labor for the tenant. The term is not commonly used today, but it provides insight into the social and economic structures of the past.