Legal Definitions - green wax

Definition: Green wax refers to an Exchequer order that directs a sheriff to collect fines and amercements (penalties) listed in the order. The name comes from the color of the wax used to certify the authenticity of the order.

Example: In medieval England, the Exchequer would issue green wax orders to sheriffs to collect fines and penalties from individuals who had broken the law. The sheriff would then use the order to demand payment from the offender.

This definition explains that green wax is a type of order used to collect fines and penalties. The example illustrates how the order was used in medieval England to enforce the law and collect payments from those who had broken it.