Legal Definitions - lage

Definition: Lage (law or lay) is a historical term that comes from the Saxon word "lag" which means law. It refers to the territory where a particular law was in force, such as Danelage, Mercenlage, and West-Saxon Lage. Essentially, it is an old-fashioned way of saying "law".

Examples:

• The Danelaw was the area of England where Danish law was in force, and it was also known as Danelage.
• Mercenlage was the region where the Mercian law was in effect.
• West-Saxon Lage was the area where the laws of the West Saxons were enforced.

These examples illustrate how lage refers to the territory where a particular law was in force. For instance, Danelage was the area where Danish law was enforced, and Mercenlage was the region where the Mercian law was in effect. Similarly, West-Saxon Lage was the territory where the laws of the West Saxons were enforced.