Legal Definitions - legenita

Definition: Legenita is another term for lairwite, which was a fine paid to the lord of the manor for adultery or fornication. This fine was especially imposed on the lord's female villeins who engaged in such activities. Other terms for lairwite include lairesite, lecherwite, legerwite, leirwita, leyerwite, and legruita.

Example: If a female villein living on a lord's manor was caught engaging in adultery or fornication, she would have to pay a fine to the lord, which was called a legenita or lairwite.

This example illustrates how legenita was a form of punishment for sexual misconduct, specifically for female villeins who were under the lord's control and subject to his laws.