Legal Definitions - horn tenure

Definition: Horn tenure refers to the payment of a fee or tax for the right to keep animals, particularly cattle, on common land. This fee was often paid in the form of corn or grain, hence the term "cornage".

Example: In medieval England, many peasants relied on common land for grazing their cattle. However, they had to pay a fee to the lord of the manor for this privilege. This fee was often paid in the form of corn or grain, which was known as "horn tenure".

Explanation: The example illustrates how horn tenure was a common practice in medieval England, where peasants had to pay a fee to keep their cattle on common land. This fee was often paid in the form of corn or grain, which was known as "cornage". The term "horn tenure" refers to this practice of paying a fee for the right to keep animals on common land.