Legal Definitions - leirwita

Definition: Leirwita is a historical term that refers to a fine for adultery or fornication paid to the lord of the manor. It was a lord's privilege of receiving a fine for fornication with the lord's female villeins.

Example: In medieval times, if a man had sexual relations with a female villein who belonged to the lord of the manor, he would have to pay a leirwita as a fine to the lord.

This example illustrates how leirwita was a way for lords to control the sexual behavior of their female villeins and to profit from it.