Legal Definitions - herdwerch

Definition: Herdwerch (hərd-wərk) is a historical term that refers to the work done by shepherds and lower-ranking tenants at the lord's command. It was a customary labor that was expected of them.

• John, the shepherd, was required to do herdwerch for the lord every week.
• The tenants had to perform herdwerch during the harvest season.

These examples illustrate how herdwerch was a mandatory labor that was imposed on shepherds and tenants by their lords. It was a way for the lords to maintain control over their land and the people who worked on it.