Legal Definitions - wite

Wite (pronounced "wIt") is a historical term that refers to a fine imposed by the Crown or other authority as a punishment for a serious crime, such as murder. It was a way for the government to collect money from criminals as a form of punishment.

• In Anglo-Saxon England, a person who committed murder would have to pay a wite to the king as a punishment.
• During the Middle Ages, a person who was caught stealing could be fined a wite by the lord of the manor.

These examples illustrate how wite was used as a form of punishment for serious crimes. The amount of the fine would depend on the severity of the crime and the authority imposing it. It was a way for the government to collect money from criminals and deter others from committing similar crimes.