Legal Definitions - hidegild

HIDEGILD

Hidegild is an Old English term that refers to a historical practice where a servant or villein would pay a sum of money to avoid being whipped.

For example, if a servant was caught stealing from their master, they could be punished with a whipping. However, if they paid a hidegild, they could avoid the punishment.

Another example would be if a villein was accused of a crime, they could pay a hidegild to avoid being punished by their lord.

These examples illustrate how hidegild was used as a way for servants and villeins to avoid physical punishment by paying a sum of money instead.