Legal Definitions - kenning to a terce

Definition: Kenning to a terce was a legal term used in Scots law to refer to the sheriff's determination of which parts of a deceased person's land belonged to their widow. It specifically refers to the assignment of dower by the sheriff.

Example: When a man died, his widow would be entitled to a portion of his land as her dower. The kenning to a terce was the process by which the sheriff determined which parts of the land would be assigned to the widow.

Explanation: The kenning to a terce was an important legal process in Scots law that ensured that a widow received her rightful share of her deceased husband's land. The sheriff would carefully examine the land and determine which parts would be assigned to the widow as her dower. This process was important because it prevented disputes and ensured that widows were not unfairly deprived of their inheritance.