Legal Definitions - jus primae noctis

Definition: Jus primae noctis, also known as droit du seigneur, is a historical concept that refers to the supposed right of a feudal lord to have sexual intercourse with a tenant's bride on her wedding night. It was believed that the lord had the first right to the bride's virginity.

Example: In medieval Europe, it was believed that the lord of the manor had the right to sleep with any woman who was married on his land. This meant that on the night of her wedding, the bride would have to spend the night with the lord instead of her husband.

Explanation: The example illustrates how the concept of jus primae noctis was believed to work in medieval Europe. It shows how the lord had the power to take away the bride's virginity and how this was seen as a customary right. This practice was not actually documented in any legal code, but it was a popular belief at the time.