outfangthief English

Meaning outfangthief meaning

What does outfangthief mean?

outfangthief noun

— (historical, law, properly, rare) A privilege of some feudal lords permitting them to execute summary judgment upon thieves (particularly their own tenants) captured outside their estates and to keep any chattels forfeited upon conviction.

— (historical, law, generally, rare) A privilege of some feudal lords permitting them to execute summary judgment upon all thieves captured within their estates, regardless of their origin.

— (historical, law, rare) A thief so captured and tried.