Legal Definitions - teind

Definition: Teind (pronounced "teend") is a Scottish legal term that refers to a tithe, which is a portion of someone's income or produce that is given to the church as a form of religious tax. The term is usually used in its plural form, "teinds."

Example: In Scotland, farmers used to have to pay teinds to the local church, usually in the form of a tenth of their crops or livestock.

Explanation: This example illustrates how teinds were historically used as a way for the church to collect taxes from the local population. Farmers would have to give a portion of their income (in this case, crops or livestock) to the church as a form of religious obligation. The term "teindable" refers to something that is subject to being tithed, or taxed in this way.