Gavelkinder

/ˈɡævəlkaɪndər/ noun

Definition

A person who inherits property under the gavelkind system of equal division among sons.

Etymology

From gavelkind plus the suffix -er indicating an agent or person. Specific to the English legal system of the medieval period, particularly in Kent.

Kelly Says

A gavelkinder's life depended on geography—born in Kent meant inheriting a share of land, but born just miles away in Sussex meant watching an older brother get everything.

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