Legal Definitions - lowbote

Definition: Lowbote (loh-boht) is a historical term that refers to compensation paid for the death of someone who was killed during a disturbance.

During the medieval period, lowbote was often paid to the family of someone who was killed in a fight or riot. For example, if two groups of people got into a brawl and someone was killed, the person responsible for the death would have to pay lowbote to the victim's family as a form of restitution.

Another example of lowbote being paid was during the English Peasants' Revolt of 1381. When the rebels stormed the Tower of London and killed several officials, King Richard II agreed to pay lowbote to the families of those who were killed.

These examples illustrate how lowbote was a way to provide compensation to the families of those who were killed during violent disturbances. It was a way to make amends for the loss of life and to help the families cope with the financial burden of losing a loved one.